This handbook is intended as a guide for the development of self-instructional programs in languages not generally taught in colleges and universities. Guidelines are offered for the choice of languages, the ordering of materials, and recruitment of students, native speakers, and examiners. Approximate cost per language is indicated. Appendices…

This is a report of a pilot study conducted by the Department of Romance Languages of the University of Michigan to assess the feasibility of a multiple-track foreign language program for second-year language students. The multiple-track system was used during the winter semester of 1969. Three types of French classes were offered. One type was…

Language laboratory use in the first three semesters of German study is outlined. First semester pattern drills and second and third semester conversation exercises are described. A rationale for the student for laboratory use is included. (AF)

A university professor examines attitudes and theories relating to foreign language teaching commonly accepted by instructors and students in U.S. high schools and universities. The author attempts to distinguish the factual from the legendary, or the folklore as he refers to it, in such areas as the audiolingual approach, selection of textbooks,…

The Federal Government needs people who can actually communicate in a foreign language, and our academic language programs are not producing such people. To solve this problem, there has to be a change in our basic attitudes and philosophies about language teaching and learning. Language courses must be transformed from passive exercises into…

This digest provides a detailed description of the Program in Interpreting and Translating at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. Specific sections address the following: (1) the degree emphasis; (2) formal training and professional relevance; (3) departmental provision for interpreting and translating; (4) the expertise and experience…

The Self-Instructional Language Program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro is described. Students transcribe their own set of lessons from master tapes and are expected to study at least two hours daily. Each week they converse in small groups with native speaker "drill instructors." (MLW)

The special needs of college students with learning disabilities are often challenging because of the variety of disabilities and accommodations. An alternative, parallel Spanish course at Old Dominion is described in the larger context of postsecondary foreign-language requirements. (Contains 25 references.) (Author/LB)

Student attitudes toward the study of literature in a foreign language were examined, based on a survey of introduction to literature courses in French and Spanish. Most students revealed positive attitudes. A review of previous research and the survey instrument are included. (38 references) (LB)

Provides guidelines suggested by the Association of Departments of Foreign Languages for the administration of foreign language departments. (Author/VWL)

Discusses a policy at Baylor University for accommodating students with language learning disabilities so they can meet the university's foreign language (FL) requirements. Explains how language-based learning disabilities are diagnosed and how they are related to FL learning, the legal obligations of an institution, and how universities cope with…

Reports results of the Modern Language Association's survey of foreign language enrollment in colleges and universities across the United States. Questionnaires were sent to registrars of 2,836 2- and 4-year institutions, soliciting information on credit-bearing registrations for fall 1998 registration in all language courses other than English.…

This paper discusses an ongoing experiment in teaching the communicative values of intonation to second-year students in an English department at a French university. The communication needs of the learners are described in terms of academic activities (e.g., formal discussion) and social contact. A basic three-term structure -- opening,…

FL-101 is an interdisciplinary, team-taught orientation to foreign languages. It has been designed to accomplish two goals: (1) provide a language-related academic experience for students who would otherwise not have any contact with languages, and (2) attract students to the further study of language. There are nine major components in the…

A rationale for and implications of independent foreign language study programs are developed in this article. Porgrams at the Department of Germanic Languages at the University of Pittsburgh focus on problems and advantages resulting from such programs. Specific remarks are directed to methodology, the course syllabus, and grading procedures. (RL)