This article presents a proficiency-oriented approach to teaching feature films in the first- and second-year classroom. It argues that film is currently under utilized at the Basic and Independent User levels, particularly as a means to create context in the classroom. Strategies are presented to tap the potential of film for communicative…

As videocassettes of foreign films become more available, teachers will be able to show more films and bring students closer to the second language and culture. However, unfocused viewing will not develop language and cultural proficiency adequately. Class time is better spent in preparing for or reacting to the film than in viewing the film in…

The development of animated cartoon sequences showing various kinds of mime and gesture in humorous situations is recommended as a useful teaching aid in language learning. Humor as a significant element in the content of pictorial aids is stressed, and the appropriate types of humor are identified and illustrated. Some remarks are made about the…

Analysis of foreign language films, featuring consideration of film sequence, image and film analysis, and literary adaptation, is an effective teaching activity with foreign language students. An example illustrates film analysis activities in a first-year French class. (CB)

Presents strategies for exploring the cultural content of feature foreign films in the language or culture and civilization classroom. Examples are taken from Francois Truffaut's "L'Argent de poche" and from Agnes Varga's "L'Une Chante, L'autre pas." (AM)

This article discusses three types of films and their use in the second language classroom. The description film is objective and static, and elicits adjectives and adverbs. This kind of film should be presented three times, each time followed by a different set of learning exercises. The culture film - characterized by descriptions, scenes from…

This article consists of an annotated bibliography of films chosen according to two criteria: the films respect basic principles of film art, and they touch in some way on a foreign language or culture and respect that language and culture. The filmography is designed to be used by foreign language teachers at all levels, and includes French,…

WRITTEN FIVE YEARS AFTER THE MODERN LANGUAGE ASSOCIATION, CENTER FOR APPLIED LINGUISTICS, AND TEACHING FILMS CUSTODIANS HAD PRODUCED JOINTLY THEIR FILM SERIES ON SECOND LANGUAGE TEACHING PRINCIPLES AND METHODS, THIS REPORT DETAILS SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION, OUTLINES BRIEFLY THE FEATURES OF THE FILMS, AND SUMMARIZES THEIR USE. AFTER…

Entrusting students with the responsibility of creating a programme brings into play various cognitive and linguistic abilities as well as organizational and team work skills, such as researching a topic, planning and visualizing the format and presentation, editing a collection of shots and clips into a coherent whole, interviewing people,…

Outlines the rationale for a multimedia application of the novel "Mathilde Mohring" and describes the structure of a multimedia program and the functions of its individual components, which includes a segment on the different editions of the novel, digitized motion video sequences and stills, and supplemental multimedia materials such as…

This paper discusses the acquisition of second-language skills through the use of visual aids. In teaching English as a second language, pictures, slides, and film loops are usually presented with appropriate, and more or less predictable, spoken or written English. These visual images, however, may arouse interests beyond the answers provided by…

This article argues that exposure to culture will help students develop complex linguistic and cultural skills. The authors discuss the use of graded literary readers, audio resources, and films. They present a detailed description of the implementation and results of two simplified novel modules in an EFL program. One module was taught to…

The underlying theory of the Teacher Corps Rural-Migrant programs in visual literacy is developed in this paper. The primary objective of teaching communication skills to non-native speakers of English through the use of motion picture cameras is detailed in discussion of how visual literacy motivates students and improves curriculum development.…

Quality is seen as a primitive characteristic of media, but one that can be manipulated in various ways. Since media vary in their "relating power," that is, their ability to involve students, standards of quality also may vary in the ways certain production technique parameters, such as lighting, sound, and exposure, are manipulated. Some media,…