Use of a theme- or topic-based curriculum to teach English as a Second Language in a Japanese university is described. Students are freshmen and sophomores. The thematic approach accommodates the interests of the large number of teachers in the program and encourages teacher development of instructional materials while achieving some consistency across classes. Materials for the theme-based curriculum may include authentic materials, teacher-developed resource kits, and commercially-produced materials adapted by the teacher for the theme. Guidelines and suggestions are offered for gathering and adapting these resources for classroom use. A sample lesson plan using the communicative methodology and class activities to develop all language skills (listening, reading, speaking, writing) is presented; the theme is international cuisine. Specific materials and individual and small-group exercises are outlined. Contains 11 references. (MSE)