Community service learning (CSL) is a type of experiential learning that blends specific course content with real-world applications and ties them together through structured reflection. It is an ideal pedagogy for 21st-century language for specific purposes (LSP) programs. This article frames that argument around sociocultural theory, moves to a…

Discusses the development and implementation of a series of culture units for use in elementary German courses. Describes a typical unit, which consists of a set of slides with accompanying text, outlining presentation strategies and class activities. Finally, analyzes the results of a course evaluation by students. (MES)

Examines the differences between explicit and implicit methods of teaching grammar in a university's advanced French conversation classes. Students taught explicitly performed better overall (in writing and orally) than students who were exposed to an implicit presentation of the same grammar content. (CB)

Results of a study of the curricular content of the foreign language (FL) methods course are presented, based on 157 FL methods course syllabi from 144 colleges and universities. Course goals, instructional materials, content, requirements, and evaluation systems were examined. Areas in need of further development are identified. (50 references)…

Describes a course in German film offered by the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures at the University of Illinois. A sample syllabus is given, which includes a list of the films and textbooks used, as well as a selective listing of films available in the United States. (CFM)

A college professor of German describes an approach to teaching history and literature in a German composition and conversation class, discussing how encouragement of free speech and writing in German enhanced language skills and learning and also appreciation for German history and culture. (CB)

Incidental focus on form is one of several ways to direct language learners' attention to formal aspects of language within meaningful communicative contexts. Learners can benefit from focus on form, but the extent to which incidental focus on form, or any other type, is available to learners in advanced foreign language literature classes has not…

Discusses a graduate course that prepares language teachers by emphasizing ways to tailor instruction to learners' needs and demonstrates multiple forms of collaboration. Course participants discuss their collaborative learning experiences and their expectations for using such approaches in their own teaching. (14 references) (Author/CK)

A project conducted during the last three years examined an undergraduate foreign language reading course, Technical Japanese, to understand the students' learning process. The course combines science with Japanese and includes note-taking skills as preparation for reading. (Contains 23 references.) (LB)

Describes a summer intensive advanced German language program at the University of Texas at Arlington that has been conducted since 1975. Discusses course organization, teaching methods, class activities, testing, and the success of the program in terms of increasingly higher achievement ratings. (MES)

Contends that German film has had uncinematic handling in American universities. Presents alternative approach and counter proposal surveying crucial highlights of Germany's film heritage. (BK)

Considers some of the most common cliches and their implications about foreign language requirements. (EKN)

Originally prepared as a work paper for the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. (DS)

Outlines the foreign language requirements of the University of Michigan's Residential College, including the five-part proficiency exam, covering all four language skills. (EKN)

Discusses research in listening comprehension and proposes model for listening comprehension activities in college French conversation courses. (BK)