By viewing approximately two dozen Japanese television commercials, secondary students enrolled in an area studies course about Japan were able to generate tones and impressions reflecting many important experiences of the Japanese society that the course would later explore in more detail. The introductory lesson was very successful. (RM)

Eight recent monographs and collections on area and culture study in foreign language teaching are discussed and compared. The focus is on the various authors' definitions of the topic (culture, civilization, realia, etc.). Mentioned also is the function of area study in the course. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Discusses nine articles dealing with area study and gives hints for treatment of various topics within the field of area studies. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Area studies are calculated to restore a measure of cultural equilibrium to any American-based endeavor, to supply basic data from a rich variety of cultural contexts, and to add orderly descriptions, analyses, and interpretations of economic, political, and social systems other than American. This pamphlet details the interest of the Social…

The booklet gives a general introduction to American Indians in New Mexico. Covering historical background and present status, reports are given for these tribes: the 19 Pueblos (i.e., Acoma, Cochiti, Isleta, Jemez, Laguna, and Zuni), the Jicarilla and Mescalero Apaches, and the Navajos. Also included are 26 places of interest such as Acoma…

Area/cultural studies have not enjoyed their rightful place in foreign language teaching because of their lack of orientation. They should not only be seen as revealing "sets" of data; they should be analyzed for patterns in terms of the target area rather than the native culture. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

The importance of translated children's books to the literary and cultural development of children is well documented, and the study of other countries is an important part of the school curriculum across grade levels. Therefore, purposes of the research were (1) to share results of research on outstanding translated children's books published…

Discusses ways of eliminating cultural, geographical, historical, and ideological misconceptions about the Soviet Union in secondary social studies classes. The author outlines four topics of study about the U.S.S.R. which he has found of interest to his students. (AM)

Examines a number of English teaching textbooks for the terminal junior high school with respect to their culture content, finding overemphasis on London and on history, with too little attention to present-day problems, including daily life in school. Recommends more emphasis on cognitive learning. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Discusses the 1974 volume of the Polish periodical for teachers of Russian entitled "Jezyk Rosyjski." Leading articles survey the development of the teaching of Russian in Poland. Other articles deal with language teaching, language usage, "landeskunde" (country, customs, culture), and literary topics. (Text is in German.)…

"Area studies" are here viewed as "civilization"; the concept is described and specific topics suggested. Area studies may start in the beginning class, using dialogs and role-playing, anticipating real-life situations in the foreign country. A sample teaching unit for grades 8-9 is presented. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

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)

Suggests guidelines for the teaching of culture and presents a possible classroom vehicle. It is emphasized that while refinements of civilization should not be ignored, culture as perceived by the man on the street should be of central concern, particularly in early states of language study. (EJS)

Area studies should not be systematically pursued as such, but should be an all-pervading feature of all literature courses, designed according to level, using learning games, etc. The article starts with a brief historical account of different approaches to, and content of "Englandkunde." (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

States that works concerning hispanic studies traditionally deal with analyses of the Spanish language or with literary works. Emphasis is made on the need for an interdisciplinary approach. (Text is in Spanish.) (NCR)