Outlines a plan for a multidimensional language curriculum consisting of four components--language, culture, communicative activities, and general language education. (EKN)

An alternative, multidimensional curriculum design for second languages is suggested and expressed in terms of four syllabi: language, communicative activities, culture, and general language education. They have the objectives of proficiency, knowledge, affect, and transfer. Syllabus characteristics are described, relationship of content and…

Laments the minimal role played by university language departments in the evolution of the study of language and language instruction that has occurred during the past decades. Briefly analyzes this anomaly and outlines some current international trends which stress a need for considerable changes in the role performed by the universities.…

"Communicative Competence" is today the avowed primary aim of foreign language teaching. This paper points out that communicative competence in this context differs from communicative competence between two native speakers of the same language. In the two cases the difficulties that appear are not the same. Various possible dialogue elements are…

Supports the addition of translation courses into the average college curriculum as a means of equipping foreign language students with the training, background, and tools they require to stay competitive as society, business, and the economy demand. Stresses the ability to translate a variety of types of work, such as nonfiction, scientific,…

Discusses three obstacles to interdisciplinary cooperation in education: (1) compartmentalization of teachers and teaching, (2) reluctance of educators to tackle the problem, and (3) difficulties in intraschool and intrasystem communication. Recommends collecting, expanding, and sharing curricular components to achieve the goal. (PMJ)

Discusses criteria to apply to key aspects of the inspection and monitoring process in modern language instruction. Quality assurance includes assessment of the whole learning environment. Ten characteristics of a good modern language lesson are listed. (six references) (CK)

Discusses the teaching of French language, literature, and culture in light of the experiences and observations of Gustave Lanson, a professor of French at the University of Paris who taught as a visiting professor at Columbia University in 1911. It is argued that French studies as a discipline needs to emphasize the pluralistic, multicultural…

Outlines the procedures used to identify, analyze, and organize components of an American Sign Language curriculum, based on processes used to develop second-language curricula. Students are encouraged to develop communicative competence and cultural awareness in a classroom environment, allowing for natural language learning. (CB)

Asserts that to revitalize foreign language study we need: (1) a reevaluation of the setting in which foreign language programs exist; (2) uniform standards for initial student placement in foreign language programs; and (3) continual updating by teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors of the objectives, methodology, and content of the…

The following position papers are presented: (1) "Foreign Language Curricula and Materials for the Twenty-First Century," by Robert C. Lafayette and Lorraine A. Strasheim; and (2) "Global Education: An Area for Fruitful Collaboration between Foreign Language and Social Studies," by Judith Torney-Purta. The first paper discusses the necessity of…

School subjects do not hold an equally secure position in any educational system. Some subjects are required of all children, some are required of only some children, and some are not required at all. It is the task of this paper to show how people talk about subjects with respect to their place in the school curriculum. The social valuing of…

Emphasizes the need for cooperation and resource sharing among university foreign language departments as a means of ensuring their survival and enhancing their academic offerings. Some of the goals that could be achieved through this strategy include: new educational opportunities, improved quality of programs, planned diversity, cost avoidance…

Faculty of the New York University School of Education, Health, Nursing, and Arts Professions describe curricular changes since World War II in subjects that have traditionally been included in high school studies: English, math, social studies, science, the arts, and foreign languages. (Editor)

The following papers on foreign language curriculum development for the 1980s are included: (1) "Foreign Language and the Humanistic Tradition: The Relationship to the Coming Decade," by Claire Gaudiani; (2) "Practical Implications of New Trends and Directions," by Wilga Rivers; (3) "Directions in Foreign Language Curriculum Development," by H. H.…