Seeking to answer the question of how language affects character by widening the learner's world, this article reviews in broad terms the present conditions in the study of foreign languages, reviews the attitudes of the "new student" in foreign languages, and challenges educators to consider new directions in the development of advanced placement courses. In covering these issues, the author touches on related topics including a definition of "character," teacher-pupil relationshps, motivation, learning-teaching distinctions, language enrollment trends, the "now" student, advanced placement, and cultural education. Much attention is given to a discussion of Alvin Toffler's attitudes expressed in his "Future Shock" as they relate to language instruction and, in particular, in recognizing the significance of teaching toward the affective as well as the cognitive domain. (RL)