ERIC Number: ED161247
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1974
Pages: 31
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Interdisciplinary Studies. Responding to New Realities. ACTFL Review of Foreign Language Education, Vol. 5.
Kelly, Thomas E.
A selective review is presented of the most recent theoretical pronouncements and practical applications of the interdisciplinary approach that are of significance to foreign language teachers and learners. The central focus is on problems and solutions within the two broad areas of institutional structures and curricula. Fifteen conclusions and implications of Warriner's earlier study are reviewed in the light of new developments and increased interdisciplinary activity since 1970. The number and variety of course descriptions appearing in professional literature appear to indicate a much higher incidence of interdisciplinary activity in language units at almost all levels. The one notable exception remains the elementary school language programs. Significant interdisciplinary changes are taking place at all stages within the organizational patterns of higher, secondary, and elementary education. The university department is analyzed as an organizational unit affecting developments in interdisciplinary studies, and strategies that have been tried within and across departmental lines are discussed. A variety of interdisciplinary course and program offerings involving language faculty are cited. There are very few truly interdisciplinary textbooks on the foreign language market, and interdisciplinary training programs for teachers are at an early stage of development. It is important that teachers have formal training in the fields under study in a given course. (SW)
Descriptors: Area Studies, College Language Programs, Community Colleges, Course Descriptions, Curriculum Design, Curriculum Development, Departments, Elementary Secondary Education, Higher Education, Humanities, Institutional Characteristics, Instructional Materials, Interdisciplinary Approach, Language Instruction, Language Programs, Modern Language Curriculum, Program Descriptions, School Organization, Second Language Learning, Teacher Education
Not Available Separately; See FL 009 607
Publication Type: Reference Materials - Bibliographies
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, New York, NY.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A