The International Research and Studies Program supports surveys, studies, and instructional materials development to improve and strengthen instruction in modern foreign languages, area studies, and other international fields. The purpose of the program is to improve and strengthen instruction in modern foreign languages, area studies and other…

Describes a one-semester course on modern German civilization given at St. Bonaventure University and open to both German majors and others interested in fulfilling general education requirements. Discusses course's topics which include political, social, and economic issues; artistic achievements; and a contrastive analysis of German and American…

These materials were developed for use in a "Survey of the Far East" course offered at Mount Vernon Nazarene College, Mount Vernon, Ohio. This curriculum project focuses on the "Bhagavad Gita," with reference to its influence on and use by Mahatma Gandhi. The "Gita" may be used as a text, or may be included on a…

Describes an advanced French civilization course, some of the instructional materials used, and the teaching methods adopted. (AM)

Instructors at all levels can draw on a wide range of materials to teach a course on the geography of Canada. Resources cited include books, journal articles, professional literature, data and maps, films, filmstrips, and slide sets. (RM)

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.…

This CD-ROM contains information about the Republic of Palau, a sovereign state in the Pacific Ocean. The CD-ROM contains full-color photos and video clips of selected sites and events on Palau; interactive maps of Palau, including land forms, places of cultural significance, and public schools; and a glossary of geographic, geological, and…

Describes a project initiated by the Foreign Language Department of Birmingham-Southern College for their Interim term and discusses an interdisciplinary course focusing on Medieval Europe. The course included presentations on German and French language and literature, as well as lectures on the arts, philosophy, and family life of the period.…

Based on an examination of numerous manuals, the current content and approaches to the study of French contemporary civilization are presented. Analytic commentary is provided of the books considered. (SW)

Area studies should form a part of the entire teacher-training curriculum. They should be contemporary in content. Order of presentation is discussed. A concept of beginning and advanced area study treatment is described, using certain specified teaching materials. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

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 a cultural unit centered on German wines. After a series of preparatory lessons showing how the topic touches on geography, history, and social customs, the unit culminated in a wine tasting. (EJS)

Lists a selection of books about the Pacific Rim area for social studies teachers who wish to add to their knowledge of the area. Includes selections on Japan, China, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Describes and gives a brief critique of each book. (DK)

This document is a catalog of audio-visual materials, other resources, and information on organizations concerned with East Asian studies, all of which are available through Yale University. The catalog begins with a discussion of goals and objectives and of the East Asian Resource and Education Program at Yale and the East Asian Education…