Discusses the need to broaden students' perspectives in all areas and suggests teaching literary works written in major European languages by third world writers, in second language classes as one method of doing so. (EKN)

Discusses the place of culture in the second language curriculum and describes some techniques and materials which have been developed over the past two decades to teach culture, as well as the kinds of materials that are still needed. (EKN)

Various ways of incorporating area studies into the curriculum are examined. The three approaches mentioned in the title are found impractical. The best approach for the foreign language teacher is to put the language first, and bring in area study items where appropriate. (WGA)

This article reports on findings obtained from an online survey answered by 97 foreign language department chairs. The Web survey was pilot tested for validity and reliability and obtained a Cronbach's reliability coefficient of .80. The results suggest that student learning outcomes assessment in American undergraduate foreign language education…

Suggests that foreign language teachers can demonstrate that their subject is not a "frill" by incorporating basic math, language, and study skills into their daily lessons. (SJL)

An exploration of second-language educational practice in broader social, cultural, and political terms focuses on critical pedagogy, raising questions that should help to extend understanding and conception of curriculum and educational practice. (45 references) (Author/CB)

Two articles discuss educational policy in Germany regarding foriegn language teaching. One pleads for giving French a fair chance along with English. The other agrees that no one language should be favored, and says that the whole question needs thorough consideration and that adequate planning is required. (IFS/WGA)

Discusses incorporating current events articles from "Pravda" into Russian language classes in the U.S. as a successful means of attracting students to Russian language programs. In addition, the timely and controversial nature of many of these articles promote stimulating conversational exchanges in the classroom. (SL)

Primary school languages education continues to be a challenging issue for all states in Australia. In Victoria, LOTE study is provided at the primary level to address the needs of linguistically diverse communities, as well as to provide an enriching learning experience for monolingual speakers of English. The challenge remains to ensure that…

Laments the effect of educational policies on foreign language teaching, and pleads for a variety of foreign language offerings (in European schools), based on the needs of society and on individual wishes, and not only from the standpoint of a universal language (English). (IFS/WGA)

Suggests the use of foreign films as a teaching aid for foreign language study. However, a thorough knowledge of the film's oral language (or languages) and culture is essential as a first step toward a clear understanding of the film's visual aesthetic. A dependence on subtitles or dubbing is discouraged, due to frequent errors and…

Emphasizes the need for a methodology for treating nonverbal culture in the foreign language curriculum, and describes the ways computer-based technology can present video reference material. Suggests that lack of language competence often results from the inability to interpret the nonverbal system of signs present in the foreign culture. (SL)

Discusses what constitutes literary theory and advocates a mandatory course in it for all literature and language majors. (EKN)

Refutes earlier ideas that encouraging bilingualism at a young age retards learning and causes behavioral problems, confusion and anxiety. Considers as sources of learning problems, long overlooked factors such as socioeconomic status, minority affiliation, and society's attitude toward the language of instruction or the dominant language.…

This guide is intended to help instructors of business Spanish select appropriate texts for their students. Presenting capsule reviews of 12 of the leading texts currently available in business Spanish, it contains information on the level, focus, pedagogical approach, content, types of exercises, and strengths and weaknesses of each text. (SL)