Recent advances in French telecommunications, the "telematique" and "minitel" that facilitate data transmission by telephone are described and presented as evidence of a modern French culture that is underrepresented in the French civilization curriculum. (MSE)

This course is designed to teach third and fourth grade children about the missionary work of the General Conference Mennonite Church among Native Americans in Oklahoma, Montana, Arizona, and northern Manitoba. However, the materials may be adapted for use with children or intergenerational groups of any age. The course contains 13 sessions--2…

An important category of culture to include in second language curriculum is functional culture, defined as the elements of surface and deep culture as well as civilization that must be learned to function while traveling, living, studying, or working in a foreign culture. Elements of functional culture include acting appropriately in everyday…

The design, materials, and content of a college-level course in the civilization of Quebec Province are described. The course covers aspects of the culture, including politics, and emphasizes oral skills for the discussion of issues. (MSE)

Ideas and guidelines are offered for teachers interested in creating a simulated French village for French language instruction. The discussion includes the rationale and process of inventing a village scenario and its necessary components, educational objectives, and linguistic content of the exercise. (MSE)

This New York state social studies curriculum guide for kindergarten focuses on helping students develop awareness of self as growing individuals and contains two sections, the Teacher Notebook and the Syllabus. The Teacher Notebook's goal is to elaborate on the key features of the program while suggesting relevant classroom applications. The key…

The U.S. Department of State's Foreign Service Institute French Familiarization and Short-Term (FAST) course for personnel working and living in France consists of 10 weeks of French language instruction combined with practical and cultural information. An introductory section outlines FAST course objectives and sample teaching techniques in…

Describes a cultural unit centered on German wines. After a series of preparatory lessons showing how the topic touches on geography, history, and social customs, the unit culminated in a wine tasting. (EJS)

Ways in which to incorporate education on francophone western Africa into French second-language courses are discussed. Geography, language role, and common themes to be explored are examined, and more complex aspects of the societies, such as beliefs and customs, are also considered as they may be appropriate for inclusion. (MSE)

A discussion of the role of cultural education in the advanced Chinese language course first outlines a communicative approach to second language teaching and testing, defines culture and looks at its importance to the second language learner, and describes methods for creating a language classroom environment reflecting Chinese culture. The…

The traditional upper-level course in French civilization at Utah State University was abandoned in favor of a course entitled "France Today," taught once a year to a consistent enrollment of students majoring in a wide variety of disciplines. The content varies somewhat each year, but the class typically begins with several class…

The objectives and course content for French 3200, a secondary level course intended for the second or third year of four- and six-credit language course sequences in Newfoundland high schools, are outlined. Its primary objectives relate to the skill development in the four language skill areas (listening, speaking, reading, and writing),…

The objectives and course description of a one-credit high school French course intended for the first year of Newfoundland senior high schools are presented. Its major objectives relate to development of language skills in four areas (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), attitudinal development, and cultural understanding. The major…

The first of three basic packages of materials for cultural instruction in Newfoundland and Labrador's elementary level French program introduces the notion of many world cultures. The materials are intended to complement materials already in use by teachers, and are a response to teacher requests for direction in teaching culture. The teaching…

The third of three basic packages of materials for cultural instruction in Newfoundland and Labrador's elementary level French program builds on the two previous units covering the concept of various cultures and nearby French Canadian cultures through a study of French Canadian culture in general. The materials are intended to complement…