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 two key problems that plague intermediate French courses, particularly the overemphasis on the formal study of grammar and the neglect of content. Suggests that emphasis be shifted to a coherent presentation of contemporary culture, and that grammar be relegated to its proper place as the vehicle of effective communication. (MES)

Focuses on activities that took place in courses on contemporary French society. In these courses, students and instructor attempted to develop a series of analytical tools from a systematic body of visual, oral, and textual materials in order to increase cultural understanding and speech styles of French-speaking communities or social groups.…

In an address to a symposium on children's book publishing in Canada, the author describes and critiques recent efforts of governments, school systems, publishers, and other organizations to promote the production, distribution, and use of materials distinctly Canadian. A sample list of children's books is appended. (Editor/SJL)

Emphasizes the need to present students with conceptual frameworks that will enable them to understand and deal with changes, continuities, uncertainties, and contingencies. Describes a textbook that approaches the future of U.S.-Soviet relations from a framework of four different possible futures. Discusses programs using the text in teaching…

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)

Presents the rationale for and content of a sixth-grade unit on Africa, focusing on the concepts of race and of variation in cultural patterns. A bibliography of instructional resources is appended. (SJL)

Presenting autobiographical stories from Hispanic culture and history, especially the stories of fascinating, historic role models can be beneficial, educational, therapeutic, and empowering for presenters and audiences. This paper is divided into two sections. Section (1) discusses in detail presenting such autobiographical stories and how to…

One of a series of booklets on world issues, this document summarizes some of the salient aspects of Central America with special attention given to Nicaragua and El Salvador. The booklet identifies the interests, policies, and choices of the major actors in the drama that engulfs the region and, increasingly, much of the world. Chapter one…

Content and boundaries of business-oriented regional studies are considered, focusing on Germany. Issues discussed include the distinction between explicit business studies and implicit, non-business materials and content in the study of business; relationship between regional studies and cross-cultural management; role of German language training…

Presents the results of an interview which asked 15 South Africans what United States teachers should be teaching about South Africa. Correlates the eight major points made by the South Africans with the contents of the theme articles in this issue of SOCIAL EDUCATION. Includes a list of curriculum materials which covers the issues teachers should…

Position statements and materials of the American Hungarian Educators' Association (AHEA) are presented. Contents are as follows: (1) statement to the President's Commission on Foreign Languages and International Studies: On the need to consider ethnic-oriented bilingual and multicultural education as a viable means of reaching greater language…

After three years in power, Soviet leader, Mikhail S. Gorbachev, has emphasized that he intends to carry out a restructuring of the Soviet system in an effort to make the Soviet economy capable of assimilating the opportunities offered by contemporary science, technology and methods of management. Chapter 1, a brief introduction, stresses that…