Reports the results of three years of developing computer-assisted instruction in Italian for college first-year courses and discusses the program's advantages and disadvantages, including the use of the Commodore 64 computer, the alleviation of computer fear, computer mastery, and the possibility of error. (Author/CB)

Recounts the decision-making processes involved in the acquisition (or renovation) of a language laboratory for a small college. Of critical importance was the determination of how the laboratory would best be utilized as well as how it would operate. These decisions determined the best choice of equipment. (SL)

A computer-assisted university foreign language project using individualization is described. Its advantages include improved student attitudes and learning efficiency, active practice, student privacy, and increased opportunities for teacher innovation and learning. (MSE)

This document summarizes findings from a self-study conducted by the English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) Department at Rio Hondo College (California) for use in the College's 2001-2002 academic year program review. The report utilizes enrollment information from the 3,504 individual students who enrolled 5,965 times in credit and non-credit ESL…

An introduction to commercial translation, a required course in the applied French track at the University of Iowa and geared to French majors with substantial background in composition, business French, and translation, is described. Texts and materials, course organization, discussion topics and lectures, and assignments are outlined. (MSE)

Outlines the contents of a culture and civilization course for first-year students of Spanish enrolled in a program abroad. Proposes to focus on the diversity of the Hispanic culture, on questions of cultural identity, cultural differences and similarities, and on the study of cultural stereotypes. (MES)

Argues that two forms of leadership exist currently in college and university foreign language departments: the top publishing and public-speaking scholars; and the people who chair the departments, dealing with the daily business of staffing courses and working with faculty and administrators. Suggests the two types of leaders operate in…

The Department of Modern Languages and Cultures at Pace University (New York) has responded to uneven language enrollments by developing two new majors: (1) modern languages and cultures, in which students must demonstrate proficiency in any two modern languages offered, and (2) language, culture, and world trade, an interdisciplinary applied…

Presents the results of the Modern Language Association's fall 1995 survey of foreign language registrations in American institutes of higher education. Results are presented in tabular form and are broken down by grade level, language studied, and comparison with prior years. The survey contains data on commonly and less commonly taught…

Argues that, because of the increase in non-White, nonmainstream, minority college students, it is time to make minority teachers part of the mainstream in departments of foreign languages. Information is provided on the types of minorities found in foreign language departments, why they are considered minorities, and their recruitment and…

Presents a conservative assessment of the introduction of microcomputers to assist English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction. New York University's American Language Institute's experiences with microcomputers and word processing programs are reported, and an effective, specialized taxonomy of applications of word processing to ESL…

Describes and evaluates a two-week intensive French course designed to rebuild the eroded language skills of university students who had had at least two years of high school French. The program, which could be implemented for other languages, provides a complete review of major grammar points and vocabulary. (CB)

Attributes the success of Pacific University's popular Asian Languages program to an interdisciplinary collaboration effort and outside funds, allowing for various multifaceted activities that broadened program support. (CB)

A college advanced speaking course designed with the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines is described. Students prepared and performed many communicative tasks, including narrating, describing, hypothesizing, supporting an opinion, debating, and interviewing for a job. Other components include pair and small-group work, audio and videotaping, and pre-…

The renovation of the Language Lab at the University of Notre Dame and the creation of the Language Resource Center are described. Challenges related to poor facility design and limited equipment are recounted, along with the role played by the university's director of foundation and corporate relations. (LB)