Several recent works on the place of culture in second language instruction are discussed, and the issues of relationships between cultures, instructional materials, and consensus on cultural education are examined. (MSE)

Examines the type of materials available for area studies courses, finding that in general their contents, drawn from news media reports, are of low intellectual value. Proposes the utilization of data collected and analyzed by specialists and presents a sample unit on the levels of income and socioeconomic status in France. (MES)

Discusses the use of press materials, including newspapers, magazines, news weeklies, and publicity ads in French civilization instruction. (Text is in French.) (AM)

A discussion of the use of video as instructional material in the second-language classroom looks at the relationship between the visual and the verbal and offers a number of exercises using each, together and separately. (MSE)

A discussion of the use of cartoons and humorous vignettes in French instruction is presented. It is suggested that there exists a wealth of such material but little guidance in using it. Problems of cultural context, understanding the use of pictures, and potential for classroom discussion are considered. (MSE)

Describes an approach to the utilization of news items and ads from a local newspaper in the culture and civilization classes of a French language program for foreign students. Suggests criteria for the selection of materials by students and provides examples of "grids" that facilitate the content analysis of texts. (MES)

This article consists of suggestions for activities for French instruction, and specifically discusses the use of philately as teaching material, songs, the development of communicative competence, and understanding French cultural identity. (Text is in French.) (CLK)

The adoption of the method used in "La France en Direct," of introducing authentic (i.e., not fabricated) cultural materials, in French language instruction in a Chinese university is discussed. It is suggested that foreign language instruction, when it brings cultural realities into contact, is in essence a study of human behavior and…

Four ideas for French language classroom activities include an exercise in the use of past tense in narrative, a children's vocabulary game, an introduction to the language of economics, and an activity combining self-expression and cultural awareness through photographs. (MSE)