The Department of Italian Studies at the University of Toronto focuses on language training by relating other components of foreign language study (literature, linguistics, etc.) directly to the language training process. The department features a streaming system (beginner, native-speaker, and matriculant) which places students of linguistically…

Explores recent reports on the state of education and on the language education profession's response to recommendations for improving instruction and suggests that language educators unite to clarify for the profession and for others what is being done in foreign language education. (CB)

Describes the development of and the reaction to a course in Business French at the University of Hawaii. Its success, coupled with its recognition by state and academic officials, brought about the initiation of similar courses in other languages and the development of French for travel industry management majors. (SED)

Describes two departments that house both English and foreign languages, one at a small private liberal arts college and the other at a regional state university. Discusses some of the problems that occurred when the two disciplines were combined and the surprising advantages of such a collaboration. (SED)

Outlines some problems in university foreign language departments that arise from the fact that prestige in foreign language departments results mostly from publishing in the fields of literary criticism and linguistics, which have little to do with language teaching. Anticipates that the current interest in text linguistics and pragmatics will…

Reviews various aspects of the undergraduate foreign language curriculum over the past decade and identifies the strengths and weaknesses of that curriculum. Outlines the best and worst scenarios which could occur during the next 10 years and suggests means which can assure that undergraduate foreign language education will meet future needs. (EKN)

Uses data from a survey of 326 centers of foreign language education to discuss (1) what kinds of courses and specializations are being offered, (2) how the curriculum is meeting the changing needs of the nation, and (3) what future development can be realistically anticipated. (EKN)

Describes a method of lesson planning that allows teachers of multisectional introductory college language classes room for modification and individualization but at the same time ensures that all class sections are working toward the same goal. (EKN)

Describes two options for intensive foreign language study available at Earlham College: intensive study on campus or intensive study on campus leading to an off campus immersion in the language and culture. Gives suggestions for programs of this type. (EKN)

Discusses the need to be flexible and restructure foreign language departments and courses to meet student needs. Describes a four-year, second language program with a nonliterary emphasis, designed for nonforeign language majors as one way to do this. (EKN)

A survey designed to collect, analyze, and present information about the position of Spanish for business in the contemporary modern language curriculum showed that business Spanish is a growing field of particular interest to language and business majors. (EKN)

Describes steps taken at the University of Pennsylvania to change foreign language requirement, including studies of student achievement by administering CEEB Language Achievement Tests and FSI Oral Proficiency Interview and the development of performance standards by faculty in order to make requirements proficiency-based. (BK)

Reports on survey of beginning German at colleges and universities in the U.S. Results show grammatical knowledge is most important objective followed by speaking, listening, and reading comprehension, cultural awareness, then writing. Results indicate growth within the profession. (BK)

Describes two NEH sponsored workshops for the development of foreign language and literature programs which took place at the San Francisco and Houston MLA meetings in 1979 and 1980. Resulting efforts to strengthen foreign language programs as essential components of humanistic education are illustrated by reports from 1979 workshop participants.…

Describes Emory & Henry College's adoption and succesful use of the Dartmouth method based on attraction of students to program, retention of students, enthusiasm of college community and improved performance of students when compared to proficiency of students in simultaneously taught traditional courses. (Author/BK)