The Theory of Basic Subject-Matter with Special Regard to Foreign Languages

The aim of this work is to give the theory of basic subject-matter in one of the subjects taught at the General Secondary Polytechnical School and thus make a contribution tov^^ards the realization of the revolutionary reform of its content.
To solve the given problem the author has chosen a method which may be called „analyticoapplicational“ because she applies relatively ready generalizations of a normative character to a given problem and compares general pedagogical requirements with the task of selecting^ basic subject-matter.
The first phase of the work tackling this problem by the method chosen is devoted to the clarification of the general pedagogical concept of „basic subject-matter“ and an attempt is made to define the concept. The second phase clears up the specificity of foreign languages as school subjects. This is followed by a^ selection of categories which may help to determine concretely the basic subject-matter in foreign languages, viz. the category of aim, the category of components of education and the category of principles, especially the principle of scientific approach, reasonableness, cosciousness, object teaching and proportionality. Attached is a chapter on methods required by basic subject-matter if it is not to be detached from the method of learning and teaching. This analysis results in general conclusions, some of which may be applied' to other subjects as well.
An appendix is attached dealing with the possibilities of creating an artificial language for international communication.