he year 2008 will inevitably be marked by the 40th anniversary of 1968. And our first issue of.08 has a look back at the history'of the NAACp,in honour of Black History Month, February in the USA. As important as the great figures of black history, is the col- lective work of the thousands of anonymous people bound by the adamant determina- tion of the wronged, who knew that their Inalienable right to equality would inevitably be recognised. As a literary corollary, we revisit the Harlem Renaissance, the first-ever flowering of African-American (or
"Negro" as they said then) culture.
Once again, the death penalty is in the headlines in America, so hereis some in-depth insight into that country's political and judicial systems. Indeed, knowl- edge of how the state and federal systems interact is essential to an informed debate on this subject. The article is completed with a worksheet that bath teach- ers and students are bound to enjoy, as it mixes research and spoken interaction.
ln addition to law, history, and the arts, this issue of New Standpoints also has a scientific bent, with articles about CUL teaching in chemistry, the British Council's "Science in Schools" project, and sustain- able development, tram the Indian heartland to the Nobel PeaGePrize winner via biofuels.
The suggested classroom activities reflect this diversity with role-plays (ranging tram a TV weather broadcast to a Senate Committee), radio interviews and even performing a mini-musical for Valentine's Day! Then as evaluation is currently at the core of the CEFR-oriented approach, we discuss different types of assessment and provide sample evaluation sheets for oral expression.
So this issue of New Standpoints balances hum- anities and sciences, past history and hopes for the future, raie-play and reflection, and more.
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We hope that it will give our growing num- ,
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