Describes area studies as a product of the federal government's decision to provide needed resources beginning with World War II. Defines the elements within area studies as degree of specialization, factual knowledge, in-country experience, and language competency. Notes area studies research is loosely related to public policymaking. (NL)

Problems in area studies programs are linked to three deficiencies: weakness of all interdisciplinary programs, failure of the U.S. government to supply leadership and resources, and American inability to link essentially academic programs to those that have public policy goals. National and international support are encouraged. (MSE)

Discussing the language policy of the Soviet government with social studies students studying the USSR increases students' awareness of the multicultural nature of Soviet society and forces them to think about how such a society operates. Questions that teachers can use to lead a discussion concerning language issues are presented. (RM)