An overview of foreign language instruction is seen as a spectrum composed of five distinct areas. The speech includes discussion of concepts related to the curriculum, linguistics, psychology, culture, and a "Master Plan". The author comments on the importance of understanding that language instruction, as an academic pursuit, is directly related to the study of the humanities and for that reason urges that curriculum be made more relevant. To this end, he suggests a reexamination of the role of culture study in language courses. Concluding remarks focus on FLES and suggestions for improving classroom teaching methods. (RL)