Assesses a volume of essays evaluating German studies in the United States. Problems pointed out in the essays include isolation of Germanists; lack of flexibility in choice of syllabi; the place of "culture" in German studies; lack of basic language skills in college students, and language teacher training. (CHK)

Three major concerns affect higher education in the United States: the decline in student population with some curtailment of programs, high inflation rates with constantly rising tuition, and political pressures on public colleges and universities. These factors affect study abroad programs in several ways. Public institutions may experience less…

A "German Semester" concentrates four or five simultaneous courses in German language; literature; art and music; science, philosophy and psychology; and social sciences, with faculty as well as outside lecturers from the various disciplines. (CHK)

The paper reports on the goals, procedures and results of the 1974-75 survey of non-traditional curricula for foreign languages in American institutions of higher education. The new curricula are classified under five main headings: 1) Career-related, 2) Community-related, 3) Interdisciplinary (Interdepartmental), 4) Interdisciplinary…

The paper reports on resolutions made at the 1975 summer seminar of the Association of Departments of Foreign Languages (ADFL). The traditional competencies required for teaching at the undergraduate level are reviewed, along with innovations suggested at the seminar. Doctoral programs are also re-examined and changes recommended. (CLK)

The paper reviews the accomplishments of the Modern Language Association while underlining its shortcomings with regards to doctoral training and foreign language education. It calls for new foreign language programs and the restoration of relevant subjects in curricula, and stresses the need for foreign language training for Americans planning to…

This paper addresses the effects of the open admissions policy on the study of foreign languages at the City College in New York. Issues discussed include enrollment trends, course offerings, and staffing requirements. (SW)

Discusses English course offerings at German People's Universities, specifically, Frankfurt. Applicants are counselled at orientation and grouped according to aims and preparation. Most courses have hiterto met only once a week; there is a trend toward increasing the frequency. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Describes the materials, scheduling, testing, classroom activities, and teaching assistantships in a flexible two-semester program. Student attitudes and attrition are also discussed. (DB)

A report on the status of Portuguese in university language programs. The role of the AATSP in the promotion of Portuguese and a description of several of its recommendations are given. The success of most strong university programs is attributed to good public relations and interdepartmental communication. (AMH)

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)

Reports results of an experiment using peer observation of teachers as part of the evaluation process. The study indicates that a large number of evaluators will produce fair and just evaluations of their peers, with any kind of bias leveling out. Thus, by implication, a small evaluation team could be dangerous. Discusses the improbability of…

Describes a televised German language course designed for older students with little or no foreign language study. In addition, the program has also been open to high school and college students. A comparison of the proficiency achievement of these groups shows that students enrolled in the two-semester telecourse did not attain the proficiency…