Writing samples of four Arab college freshmen students of English as a second language were analyzed. The objectives were to classify the lexical problems found, determine the causes of the problems, and examine the students' choice of certain lexical items in an attempt to determine whether the students were more attuned to the form or the…

Even during the 1970's when diminished national interest in foreign language study was reflected in declining enrollments at most colleges, Tarrant County Junior College (TCJC) was able to maintain a vigorous language program by emphasizing oral communication and developing a flexible curriculum. Since 1975, the college has offered its preparatory…

A three-course introductory Italian sequence was developed for architecture students planning to study in Italy during the first semester of their fourth year. The course was designed as an afterthought and for students who would need little or no academic Italian. Syllabus planning and student motivation were hampered by lack of time and low…

The role of foreign languages in the liberal arts colleges and of business training in the foreign language curriculum is examined. In recent years, student interests in foreign languages have shifted from the traditional focus on literary scholarship to practical applications and communication. International studies are also necessary in…

The degree requirements and course components for business Spanish at Eastern Michigan University's Language and International Trade program are described. The bachelors and masters programs in language and international trade have three components in each of three languages: business, language, and cooperative education work experience. In…

In 1980, Midwestern State University (Texas), a typical college in several respects, held a series of panel discussions aimed at making students aware of the practicality and applicability of language study. Originally conceived as a "work fair" that would help recruit English majors, exigencies of a changing academic situation and the English…

A computer-assisted instructional program to teach the Arabic writing system and elementary vocabulary and comprehension, which was developed at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at The University of Texas at Austin in cooperation with the university's College of Liberal Arts, is described. Among the benefits of the computer-assisted approach…

Among the justifications for using games in foreign language teaching, one finds the theory that games play an important role in the instructional and learning processes and that they can be designed to develop linguistic skills and communicative abilities. A review of several authors not only suggests the value of games and game-like activities…

Explores ways in which advanced conversation classrooms may provide the aural and written comprehensible input necessary for fostering the students' continued acquisition of the target language through examination of research and literature on: prelistening, decoding, intensive listening, comprehension, and skill application. (CB)

A chair of a university's department of Romance languages and literature addresses the status of two high priorities in the teaching of foreign languages: the integration of linguistics in the "new" curriculum; the continuing development of language teaching approaches in the classroom; and the commitment of foreign language programs in the…

A college-level Spanish language teacher developed a textbook for fourth-graders that supported the audiolingual approach and was based on American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages Oral Proficiency Guidelines. Subject and vocabulary areas covered in the textbook included: salutations, the alphabet, numbers, colors, days of the week,…

Describes a course, offered by Michigan Technological University, designed to increase the intercultural communication skills of American postsecondary students. Activities include readings and movies illustrating cross-cultural conflicts; application of a model to a cross-cultural case study; panel discussion; and cultural simulation. (Author/CB)

A survey by the American Council on Education of undergraduate programs in international studies and foreign languages at colleges and universities is described. The project's goal has been to examine how students use these programs including what types of students take what patterns of language and international studies courses. (MLW)

Describes materials and activities used by Tarrant County (Texas) Junior College, Northeast Campus, in its conversation classes for high school students as well as for its own students and career-ladder credit conversation courses for foreign language teachers. (Author/CB)

The Televised Japanese Language Program provides long-distance Japanese instruction by recycling videotapes of live classes. This system is an effective and economical means for offering instruction in foreign languages when there is insufficient staff. (Author/CB)