Strategies for strengthening foreign language departments involve gathering information about proficiency levels, course evaluations, language requirements for entrance, clarifying both student and institutional needs, developing resources, and, sometimes, changing institutional policies. The ways in which these steps may be accomplished are…

Explores the concept and goals of a "full-service" college foreign language department, which would offer a wide variety of courses and programs, reach out to a broad segment of the academic community, and attempt to develop collaborative, mutually beneficial programs with other departments. (CB)

Explores recent reports on the state of education and on the language education profession's response to recommendations for improving instruction and suggests that language educators unite to clarify for the profession and for others what is being done in foreign language education. (CB)

A discussion of articulation in second language education between instructional levels looks at the current state of articulation, issues in the transition from secondary to higher education, and proposes a new approach that shifts the focus from product to process. Three forms of articulation are distinguished: vertical; horizontal; and…

This digest focuses on the articulation of foreign language programs between secondary and higher education. The following questions are addressed: (1) What are urgent reasons for better program articulation?; (2) What forms does articulation take?; (3) What aspects of the educational process does articulation address?; (4) Are there examples of…

Laments the lack of institutional commitment to language learning in most colleges and universities. To improve the situation, suggests the introduction, in selected departments, of substantive courses where students are encouraged or required to use their language skills, and evaluation of performance in the course replaces proficiency exams.…

Problems encountered by one small liberal arts college foreign language department in gaining and maintaining academic acceptance and support for business/foreign language courses are discussed. The initial challenge was to persuade the administration of the suitability of specialized business courses in a subject field (languages) viewed largely…

Analyzes the objectives of foreign language teaching at the higher education level from the perspective of languages for specific purposes (LSP) and suggests that specifying the purpose of language teaching objectives in foreign language degree programs can contribute both to the practical relevance of graduates' proficiency and to the inner…

What is wrong in the American parochialism about foreign languages is the assumption that language acquisition is a cosmetic gain, without any immediate or forseeable practical use. Languages will only be learned effectively when Americans learn that they can be used in getting tasks accomplished. (MSE)

Reports the findings of a nationwide survey of U.S. students majoring in a foreign language who study, work, and travel abroad. Presents a profile of these students which includes demographic characteristics, a description of motivational characteristics, the nature of intended international experience, the length of intended experience and its…

Stresses need for support of international studies and foreign language programs throughout the U.S. educational system. Reports status of foreign language instruction on National Association of Independent Schools campuses. Discusses primary goals of secondary level foreign language teaching. (JD)

The English Language Institute (ELI) at Alaska Pacific University provides an intensive academic program designed primarily to prepare foreign students for successful participation in undergraduate or graduate programs. Students from the local international community have also been admitted to the program. These students have motivations, language…

Outlines the focus, curriculum, and outcomes of the Culture and Commerce interdisciplinary program offered by the College of Staten Island, City University of New York. The program includes language study, international business courses, a semester abroad, and an internship with an international organization in New York City. (Contains four…

A program model designed to provide intercultural training and foster a global approach to professional education is described. The steps and components necessary to construct a foreign language intercultural course according to this model are outlined. (MSE)

The structure and philosophy of a college bilingual program is described within the context of Ontario's bilingual education system, differentiating between university-level education intended to meet the needs of Franco-Ontarians and bilingual education intended to produce graduates equally at home in the language and culture of both official…