Remapping the Foreign Language Curriculum—An Approach Through Multiple Literacies

Swaffar and Arens (both Germanic studies, U. of Texas, Austin) examine foreign language (FL) programs for adult learners, positing a critical need to rethink the types of programs and pedagogies that currently dominate FL teaching in junior colleges, colleges, and universities in the U.S. Coverage includes the culture of social sciences and humanist disciplines; linking meaning and language in FL teaching; holistic curriculum design; using a short work of literature in beginning and intermediate classes to move from reading to greater language command; using multiple genres and divergent discourse practices with advanced students; sequencing learning keyed to learner stages; using the genres of different texts to teach an FL culture; and professional responsibility in FL teaching. Annotation c2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)