Basic assumptions implicit in course design for foreign languages are examined. The course must first satisfy the basic needs of the learner, later his sociolinguistic or psycholinguistic needs. Relevance of materials is looked at in terms of framework of a course, role of situational teaching, and conduct of the lesson. (SCC)

German as a Foreign Language Philology is a new subject developed at the New Philology Faculty of the University of Heidelberg. Students whose native language is not German can earn a Master of Arts in this field. The study plan, educational goals, and the content and organization of the curriculum are described. (Text is in German.) (TL)

GRADES OR AGES: Grades 3, 4, 5, and 6. SUBJECT MATTER: Language, Literature, and Composition. ORGANIZATION AND PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: The guide is organized under six general language concepts: Nature of Language, Language and Communication, Structure of Language, Changes in Language, Relationship Between Speaking and Writing, Language and…

The design of language courses for college students with little previous study of languages is discussed. Language courses for students preparing for professions other than the teaching of a foreign language are outlined for each instructional level. Suggestions are made for increasing public awareness of foreign language study. (SW)

A model for second language teachers includes the definition of basic content for all students, diagnosis, and a series of reinforcement and enrichment activities. Variation of the basic model are applied to three levels of instruction. (Author/SW)

Describes in detail the planning of the courses, division of the material into segments, and the sequence of their introduction. A measure of flexibility is seen as necessary. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

In designing a foreign language curriculum, the needs and abilities of the students should be considered. Slow learners need mostly to be taught listening comprehension, while better learners should be taught good reading skills and have a good knowledge of "non-textbook" aspects of the language. (AG)

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)

Most textbooks for teaching foreign languages have as their basis a grammatical syllabus. The theory has been that it is easier for students to learn a language if they are exposed to one part of the grammatical system at a time. Recently critics have questioned this theory, arguing that the grammatical syllabus fails to provide the necessary…

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 minicourse in foreign language teaching is an outgrowth of the diversified curriculum that is based on the personal-benefit theory. The importance of the individual and the need for a differentiated program designed to foster individual interests and maximize individual potential is stressed in this theory. The rapid growth of alternative…

Skills and attitudes needed by language teachers, characteristics of a well-designed curriculum, and other aspects of teaching and learning in foreign language and second language programs are outlined. (SW)