Various basic questions are posed concerning area studies. Taking as an example the textbook "English H 4," comment is made on the relation between language teaching and area studies in the Hauptschule ("terminal" junior high school), on the teacher's handbook, and on forming stereotypes. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Currently some skepticism exists concerning the value of area studies--especially the concept of "national traits." Also, the alleged motivational value may be offset by the sacrifice of language-learning time. German language teaching has followed the U.S. lead; American teachers might profit from German experience. (Text is in German.) (WGA)

Supplementary, non-textbook materials used in Russian civilization classes include "Paintings from the Russian Museum Collection," with text in Russian and English; a Russian desk calendar; "In the Russian Style," with costume photographs and poetry excerpts, and a Russian primary school book. Uses of these materials are discussed. (CHK)

Describes a project studying the culture of the People's Republic of China, including two seminars, an in-school experiment with the theme "China yesterday, China today," and three study tours in China focusing on education. (CK)

Examines an area study unit from a French course for Grades 9 and 10 of a Realschule, dealing with "getting acquainted with Paris." Suggestions are made about choice of items for emphasis and for methodology in classroom use. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

In the cultivation of worldminded attitudes, the social studies teacher cannot assume that student interaction with culturally different art will necessarily enhance empathic cosmopolitan attitudes. Pitfalls to be aware of are cited in this article. (Author/JH)

Volume 5 of this publication features: (1) "It's Elementary: Strategies, Resources, and Ideas for Teaching Canada in the Elementary Classroom" (C. Turrone) in issue 1; (2) "The French Fact: Its Impact on Canadian Culture" (R. Wheeler) in issue 2; (3) a student award winning essay, "Black Americans and the Canada…

Issue one of this volume of "Teaching Canada" contains: (1) "Calgary: The Olympic City" (T. Rumney); (2) a winning student essay, "Sharing a Continent: Ways in Which Canada Affected the History of the United States" (J. Mar); and (3) "Canadian Sovereignty and the North" (W. Morrison). Issue two includes:…

This experimental French language teaching module presents an introduction to Acadian history and culture through the songs and perceptions of Acadian singer Edith Butler. Included are a teacher's guide, a cassette tape transcript booklet, and a booklet containing historical and geographical information on Acadia. The core of the module is a taped…

Describes the syllabi of parallel French- and English-language college courses in French civilization. (DB)

Wolfgang Borchert's "Lesebuchgeschichten" present a summary view of German society before and after World War II and could easily serve as the focal point for a presentation of the Third Reich in a course on German culture and history. The works are described here. (CHK)

Describes a one-semester course whose purpose was not to include as many items as possible, but to try to treat adequately a few carefully chosen "theme areas", e.g., The Middle Ages, from Cloister Culture to the Decline of Chivalry, and The Growth of Urban Culture. (WGA)

Observes lower numbers of ethnic and cultural studies, despite growing need. Argues for appropriate, affirmative action to increase number of rural sociological studies. Sees "ray of hope" in 1990 meeting of Rural Sociological Society. Suggests more training, scholarships, monographs, research, and fellowships for researchers interested…

This unit developed for middle school students utilizes the countries of Romania and Bulgaria as the basis for a study of their music and drama. Middle school students will recognize the commonalities of world music, dance, and theater by developing skills and understanding of elements of each art. Folk music and dance from Romania and Bulgaria…