This article describes a four-year ethnographic and pedagogical project set in an urban community with historical ties to rural Appalachia. It begins with a close reading of pedagogical discourse situated in an after-school reading project for preteen girls. It then traces the deep roots of language seeped in class meanings--words such as "nasty"…

Recommends using C. Achebe's English language novel, "Things Fall Apart," in a unit on tragedy. Provides plot summary and topics for discussion of cultural values and socialization. Notes that besides illustrating character traits, themes and plot structure of the tragic genre, the novel provides an opportunity for learning Nigerian…

Presenting autobiographical stories from Hispanic culture and history, especially the stories of fascinating, historic role models can be beneficial, educational, therapeutic, and empowering for presenters and audiences. This paper is divided into two sections. Section (1) discusses in detail presenting such autobiographical stories and how to…

African studies are especially important because many Americans are of African descent. An interdisciplinary approach should be taken to African studies, which should focus on one or two countries and be integrated into existing courses. Students must be made aware of stereotypes and given accurate information. (CS)

Meaningful cooperation between area studies and foreign language faculty can be accomplished by seriously committed, academically trained professionals on both sides. Limitless possibilities exist for curriculum development to combine the substance of area studies with language learning, building on the essential interdependence of the…

Russian and Soviet studies specialists see long-term threats to the field's continuing strength with the sudden decline of private and public funding. Some potential problems are identified: narrowed language offerings, declining enrollments, and a history of politicization in Soviet studies. The use of Soviet emigres is advocated. (MLW)

Optimism in international education is supported by the facts that institutions are beginning to cooperate rather than compete for the scarce resources available for common purposes, that area centers and language studies are thriving, and that partnerships exist between American and Third World institutions. (JMF)

Discusses requirements for the new People's University Certificate in English and finds improvement in the more precise statement of learning goals and system of course offerings and in the treatment of such items as "language appropriateness,""spontaneous language skills" and area studies. (IFS/WGA)

Perspectives on developing international understanding are considered in an essay, and descriptions of the international education at 15 colleges and universities are presented. In the essay, "Two Steps Forward, One Step Back: Slow Progress Toward International Understanding," James A. Perkins discusses barriers to change in…

One of a series of booklets on world issues, this document summarizes some of the salient aspects of Central America with special attention given to Nicaragua and El Salvador. The booklet identifies the interests, policies, and choices of the major actors in the drama that engulfs the region and, increasingly, much of the world. Chapter one…

Today two opportunities are open to geography educators. First they must respond to the new opportunity to return geography to a place in the preparation of business students. Second, geography educators must take advantage of the current interest in international understanding and global education. New courses and textbooks are needed. (RM)

Content and boundaries of business-oriented regional studies are considered, focusing on Germany. Issues discussed include the distinction between explicit business studies and implicit, non-business materials and content in the study of business; relationship between regional studies and cross-cultural management; role of German language training…

Articles include: "The International Education of Liberal Arts Students" (J. Patrick Dale); "Internationalizing Language and Area Studies: The Case of Indiana University" (Alexander Rabinowitch); "Future Scientists: An International Perspective" (Frederick H. Horne); "International Curriculum for the…

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which promises closer economic relations between Canada, the United States, and Mexico, has implications for higher education. These include the need for better understanding of the different educational systems, more educational and cultural exchange, and expanded area studies and language…

Given the global significance of Soviet-U.S. relations, elementary and secondary school students should learn about the Soviet Union, but most students graduate from high school with little knowledge and many misconceptions about this country. It is important to teach about the Soviet Union because of: (1) its emphasis in the U.S. media; (2) its…