This article focuses on the benefits of using short film in the German classroom at the secondary or post-secondary level. The article addresses a number of characteristics of short films that lend themselves well to the classroom, including their abbreviated length, artistic innovation, and compact storytelling. In addition to discussing specific…

The teaching of culture has become gradually more significant for all teachers involved in language education; it has been referred as the "hidden curriculum" of foreign language teaching. Because of limited time available in the classroom and curriculum constraints, the inclusion of cultural lessons often comes second to the teaching of…

A survey of French detective films since 1908 looks at how French and other detective novels have inspired a film genre, from the original serial through classic suspense, thriller, the crime novel, and comedy to the political and metaphysical. (MSE)

Studies made in the last few years show that using films in language classrooms is an effective way in teaching a foreign language. Well-chosen films can serve as a valuable pedagogical aid, both for classroom use and self-study. This article is about using films in language classrooms through a specially designed course, whose outline description…

Describes an intermediate-level college course based on authentic, unedited, German television murder mysteries that lend themselves well to language instruction and maintain student motivation, improve listening comprehension, and, through accompanying exercises, support speaking, reading, and writing skills. (four references) (Author/CB)

Use of English-language mystery movies is recommended to teach English-as-a-Second-Language listening and speech skills outside an English-language environment. A variety of issues are discussed, including the following: presenting the film in segments for more effectiveness; presenting students with activities that develop specific aspects of the…

After stating the advantages of using the videotape recorder in the foreign-language classroom, the author explains how to choose and evaluate filmed materials and how to prepare these materials for classroom use. She also suggests many ways to present the prepared materials in class. (CFM)

Discusses the use of early silent films in second-language classrooms, focusing on the experiences of one instructor in using early French silents in elementary and intermediate French courses. Sample lesson plans and information on the availability of French silents are also provided. (Contains 17 references.) (MDM)

Suggests that the study of Chinese films should be more than just merely an adjunct to Chinese literature studies but an analysis of Chinese literary adaptation in terms of the aesthetic, narrative, intellectual, and political concerns of the period in which the film adaptation was made. (six references) (CB)

Marlene Dietrich and other classic performers of German cinema can serve to open up a whole new realm for students of German, at secondary and postsecondary levels. By researching and viewing German and American film classics, students have opportunity to learn more about German language and an important element of German culture that has had…

An approach that introduces a Quebec film into a college-level course for advanced students of French is described. The technique addresses three aspects of the film: organization; the significance of certain film-making processes; and cultural and social aspects of the film as they relate to Quebecoise culture. (MSE)

Describes and assesses Florida State University's two-week summer institute on the use of video materials in the classroom. Four general methodological statements for initiating the presentation of Spanish language films to high school students are provided as well as recommendations about presentation of full length movies in Spanish. (nine…

Describes a university's use of a multilingual cable network as a foreign language instructional resource by incorporating series, news programs, and commercials into foreign language courses. (CB)

Recommends having students watch videotaped recordings of satellite transmissions of foreign television programs to enhance their acquisition of a foreign language. (JC)

A description of a secondary school Italian course using literature and film as teaching resources illustrate how the use of a communicative approach can foster the natural integration and development of listening, understanding, speaking, reading, and writing skills. (two references) (CB)