The goals and approaches of Chinese curricula in large institutions vary from the preparation of students to do research in ancient government documents to the insistence on a mastery of spoken Mandarin adequate for functioning in a modern Chinese society. No institution does it all, but the limited program in a small college, free from the…

A community college is committed to serve all persons living in the areas it encompasses, and it must demonstrate this commitment. At Sauk Valley College in Dixon, Illinois, language instruction must extend beyond the traditional Spanish-for-anglos classes, because there is a large population of Mexican-Americans living within the school district.…

This paper outlines the ways in which natural, functional areas in international studies overlap with foreign language proficiencies. An overview of international studies and language developments is given along with contrasts between needs and realities, showing that educational practice in this area is out-of-phase. Today, the situation is…

This book is intended for students of English as a second language who have some knowledge of English but who need guidance and intensive structural practice in speaking the language. It contains ten units and provides grammar material for at least a one-semester course at the intermediate level. It is primarily geared to adult students in…

This report is based on a questionnaire survey of all two-year and four-year colleges in the United States listed in the 1972-73 "Education Directory" (Part 3, Higher Education). Registrars at 2,614 institutions replied to the questionnaire; 2,419 reported registrations in one or more foreign languages. The fall 1972 survey shows a…

In contrast with declining interest in the study of commonly taught languages in recent years, there has been a significant growth in the demand for instruction in the "neglected" or "other" or "less commonly taught" languages; schools and universities are therefore faced with the problem of providing the opportunity…

In response to an earlier article on foreign language learning disabilities in college students, the article reports on a similar study using the Modern Language Aptitude Test and concludes that, as yet, tests are not adequate to determine a disability affecting foreign language learning. (DB)

Examines the concept of self-assessment as it relates to the field of second languages and then reports on an ongoing research project in which a self-assessment questionnaire is being used as a placement instrument for students registering for language courses at the Center for Second Language Learning in Ottawa. (SED)

Reports a survey on student perceptions of articulation effectiveness which furnished data on three topics: (1) percentage of students who had to start a foreign language over in college; (2) reasons for dropping back, or articulation problems between secondary and postsecondary education; and (3) placement methods. (SED)

Urges foreign language departments at colleges and universities to take advantage of what is new--student demographics, academic preparation, the position of the humanities in society--and regard it as an opportunity to rethink the curriculum. Provides a six-stage outline of the process, from taking stock of what faculty members and their fields…

Examines the role of songs in Arabic as a foreign language university courses. It is argued that songs can be effectively used to impart knowledge of, as well as about, the target language in its standard and nonstandard forms and can help to place the target language in its cultural context. (10 references) (GLR)

College second language programs offer more to students than knowledge of the language. Language study can challenge students intellectually and creatively and contribute to their academic and social development, even when language study is begun at this level. Value is found in the substance, process, and outcomes of language study. (Author/MSE)

Suggests that robust foreign language departments, such as Spanish, must support other languages or end up as the only language offered on campus other than English. (Author/VWL)

Discusses how languages other than English are perennially under pressure not only in Australia but in the United States as well. Focuses on how the eighteen City university of New York system--better known as CUNY--implemented a blueprint for the future to help foreign language programs from disappearing. This included reorganizing language…

Articulation is one of the principal challenges of all foreign language programs. A key component of the articulation process is an assessment of student language abilities. On college and university campuses this process is usually conducted via a placement test. As developments in proficiency research have progressed, it is clear that programs…