20, no. 1 (September 1988): Back Matter
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Back Matter September 1988
Foreign Language Entrance and Degree Requirements Increase
The MLA's 1987–88 survey of foreign languange entrance and degree requirements, completed in July 1988, shows that 381 (25.7%) of the 1,482 responding baccalaureate institutions have foreign languange requirements for entrance and 862 (58.2%) have requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degrees. The percentages compare favorably with those reported in the MLA's 1982–83 survey, which showed 14.1% of responding institutions having entrance requirements and 47.4% with BA-degree requirements. In 1974–75 the respective figures were 18.6% and 53.2%, and in 1970–71 they were 27.4% and 76.7%. The peak year for foreign language requirements in higher education was 1965–66, when 33.6% of the responding colleges and universities had entrance requirements and 88.9% had BA-degree requirements.
Analysis of the information from the 381 institutions reporting entrance requirements in 1987–88 shows the 166 had none in 1982 but added them between 1982 and 1987, 175 had the same requirements in both year, 6 had strengthened their earlier requirements between 1982 and 1987, and 2 had somewhat weaker requirements in force in 1987 than they had had in 1982. Another 32 institution with entrance requirements in 1987 did not provide information in 1982.
Similarly, of the 862 institutions that reported BA-degree requirements in 1987–88, 163 had reported none in 1982 but had added them between 1982 and 1987, 507 reported the same requirements in both years, 73 recorded stronger requirements in 1987 than in 1982, and 29 recorded weaker requirements in 1987 than in 1982. Another 90 institutions with BA-degree requirements in force in 1987 did not supply information in 1982.
The MLA's 1987–88 survey, the eleventh in a series going back to 1953, was supported by a grant from the US Department of Education. A more detailed report of the results, including data on baccalaureate degrees other than the BA, information from two-year colleges, and a directory of requirements at all responding institutions, will appear in the January 1989 issue of the ADFL Bulletin.
ACTFL Resolution on Language Rights
The Executive Council of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) has approved a resolution condemning movements promoting the exclusive use of English as “detrimental to the spirit of diversity-with-harmony represented by the various cultures that make up the fabric of American society.” The resolution emphasizes “the preservation of cultures and languages among us and the fostering of foreign language proficiency on the part of [our] citizens.” In making this statement, ACTFL reaffirms its advocacy of the teaching and learning of foreign languages in the United States and its belief that the position of English is not threatened. For further information, write or call ACTFL, 579 Broadway, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706; (914) 478-2011.
Ohio State University Foreign Language Center
In July 1987, the Ohio State University established a Foreign Language Center to foster interdisciplinary cooperation in teaching, research, and evaluation among language departments in the College of the Humanities. The goals of the center are to promote research and evaluation in language instruction and teacher training, to coordinate and facilitate outreach to language programs in school systems in the state, to organize and sponsor workshops and colloquiums, and to maintain close ties with governmental language teaching units, related professional associations, and language departments at other Ohio colleges and universities. For further information, write or call Gerard L. Ervin, Director, Ohio State Univ. Foreign Language Center, 155 Cunz Hall, 1841 Millikin Road, Columbus 43210; (614) 292-4361.
© 1988 by the Association of Departments of Foreign Languages. All Rights Reserved.
ADFL Bulletin 20, no. 1 (September 1988): Back Matter |
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