The dual mandate of modern language learning is considered to be linguistic competence and scholarly expertise in literature or in philology. The need for the systematic study of culture in modern language studies is discussed, and programs in the United States and Great Britain are compared. (MLW)

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)

The following position papers are presented: (1) "Foreign Language Curricula and Materials for the Twenty-First Century," by Robert C. Lafayette and Lorraine A. Strasheim; and (2) "Global Education: An Area for Fruitful Collaboration between Foreign Language and Social Studies," by Judith Torney-Purta. The first paper discusses the necessity of…

Stresses the need to synthesize techniques and methodologies, and to establish a central focus for beginning and intermediate programs of foreign language education in schools, higher education, and adult education programs. General conclusions and priorities are also offered. (EJS)

A chair of a university's department of Romance languages and literature addresses the status of two high priorities in the teaching of foreign languages: the integration of linguistics in the "new" curriculum; the continuing development of language teaching approaches in the classroom; and the commitment of foreign language programs in the…

Examines the educational purposes of foreign-language requirements and asserts that the study of American Sign Language meets these goals in ways in which other "languages" (English dialects, computer languages) do not. (CB)

Emphasizes the need for cooperation and resource sharing among university foreign language departments as a means of ensuring their survival and enhancing their academic offerings. Some of the goals that could be achieved through this strategy include: new educational opportunities, improved quality of programs, planned diversity, cost avoidance…

Describes curricular changes in a private Japanese university's English department, and explores the curricula typical of such programs. The new program's three major features, including a freshman English program, a content study, and graduation papers and theses are highlighted. (12 references) (Author/CB)

Linguistic oddities left behind by the historical development of German may be used to assist students in learning German and give them a clearer picture of both the German language and culture. Examples are given and suggestions are made on how best to integrate these oddities into the curriculum at the undergraduate level. (31 references) (LET)

A preliminary analysis of the language syllabuses and language students at Southampton University (England) is used to determine needed improvements in language teaching methodology and to establish clear aims and objectives that will build on students' previous experiences, plug gaps that remain, and relate this language learning to the…

This paper concerns languages for career training at the post-secondary level, with implications for FLES and secondary programs. The student desirous of utilizing a foreign language in a career other than literature and linguistics has very limited opportunity for adequate training in college. The job market for literature majors is, and will…

This document is an English-language abstract (approximately 1,500 words) of a survey concerning the teaching of foreign languages in Australia. Experimental research into the validity of the various aims and claims for foreign language teaching is summarized, and the authors conclude that while much research has been done on cognitive aspects,…

Proposes a four-semester plan for a foreign language program designed to fulfill degree requirements. The plan emphasizes audiolingual and reading skills and attempts to provide students with at least a minimal level of proficiency. (AM)

A discussion of foreign language education, especially the lack of common goals, proliferation of options and unrealistic demands made by instructional materials. Reinstatement of a general language requirement after a reexamination of the discipline for its contribution to basic humanistic goals and development of an articulated curriculum are…

The expansion of foreign investments in the United States prompted Eastern Michigan University to develop a new curriculum in business French. The program leads to a major in business French and to the Diploma of Commercial French offered by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris. (SW)