Reports on a study of foreign language learning in Australia's primary schools in the mid-seventies. The role of immigration in the development of second language programs is discussed, along with the extent of federal government involvement. A state-by-state analysis of language programs is also given. (PJN)

Arguments both pro and con about the foreign language (FL) requirement are presented. Negative arguments center on the decreasing value of FL study and the inadequacy of skills developed in a four course sequence. Positive arguments concern immediate benefits to students and the importance of FL study in a liberal arts curriculum. (AMH)

The problem of when to begin foreign language instruction is considered. Detailed criticism is made of the conclusions of "Primary French in the Balance." An early start may be favored because of the effect on children's minds, and teaching and school improvements may solve problems of transition to advanced stages. (CHK)

An exploration of the reasons for the failure of former elementary school foreign language programs precedes the identification of issues that should be addressed to ensure the effectiveness of current and future programs. The three basic FLES program models, Foreign Language Experience (FLEX), sequential FLES, and immersion, are described. (CB)

Preliminary findings are reported from a survey conducted to determine the apparent absence of compensation for foreign language department chairs at some institutions. It is noted that, compared to the sciences or humanities, the typical foreign language program has greater and more complex tasks administratively and should, therefore, receive…

It is noted that language teaching in literature departments in many colleges and universities does not confer the same benefits or offer the same rewards as teaching literature. The problems this imbalance creates in academic rigor and continuity and the questions addressing why this is imbalance exists are discussed. (GLR)

Suggests the following methods for improving university-level German language education curricula: reduce skill-development time through immersion programs, adopt Zertifikat Deutsch als Fremdsprache as the proficiency standard for advanced students, and include literature from a variety of liberal arts disciplines in the reading materials for…

Incorporation of women's and feminist issues into foreign language programs has been limited mostly to literature, and not language, courses. Reconsideration of this traditional boundary must seek a greater balance in including women's issues in both foreign language literature and foreign language teaching and examination. (CB)

A March 1988 survey concerning the textual materials used and liaisons existing between secondary schools and universities is reported. The university survey focused on a variety of first-year programs, how language departments accommodate students with varying accumulated hours of French instruction, and faculty familiarity with provincial…

Describes Ohio University's course sequence designed to teach French and Spanish, through the use of print and broadcast media, to students majoring in journalism and other communication areas. Course development, funding, resources, speakers, and promotion are detailed. (CB)

Through its nonformal program for teacher education, the Peace Corps has been able to provide central and eastern European countries with more than 600 English teachers in recent years. The paper describes how the Peace Corps trains its volunteers to effectively teach English as a Foreign Language. (SM)

Paper responds to an article on a nonformal Peace Corps teacher education program that prepares teachers to teach English as a Foreign Language in central and eastern European countries, discussing various aspects of the program as important models for accomplishing the more diverse, larger, and problematic preservice education in America. (SM)

Advice for the counterpart, the person undergoing training, and the counterpartee, the expatriate specialist, includes thinking in terms of development rather than training, and involving both parties in designing workable development programs. Suggestions for project planners are offered. (Contains 13 references.) (JP)

Discusses the evolution of comparative literature as a discipline in the 20th century and how comparative analysis has affected other academic disciplines, focusing on the impact of comparative literature and analysis on Russian and East European studies. (Contains 11 references.) (MDM)

Explores the role of foreign language programs in higher education and attempts to define, encourage, and incorporate elements of multiculturalism in the entire college curriculum, emphasizing the unique position and inherent cultural diversity of foreign language departments. (23 references) (CB)