Student Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes for the modern languages program

Students will demonstrate speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in the target language consistent with the Advanced levels as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.
Students will demonstrate an accurate understanding of linguistic concepts related to the target language, including the fundamentals of phonetics, semantics, and morphology and syntax, as well as basic pragmatic and sociolinguistic aspects.
Students will demonstrate awareness of key similarities and differences between their own cultural practices and perspectives and those of target language groups and the ability to express divergent cultural viewpoints clearly and accurately in speech and writing.
Students will articulate knowledge of major literary, artistic, and cultural works and figures associated with target language societies.
Students will analyze and interpret authentic texts and other cultural products in clearly organized and coherent presentations in speech and writing in ways that reflect informed understanding of relevant contextual factors, including socio-historical influences and cultural traditions, perspectives, and behavioral patterns.
Students will integrate target language proficiencies, intercultural competencies, technology skills, and critical modes of thinking and expression to effectively perform tasks typical of today’s globalized work environment, including professional communications, translation, and project collaboration.

Students will demonstrate a thorough understanding of pedagogical theories, foreign language teaching methods, best practices, and standards (institutional, state, and national) and the ability to apply them in ways that increase the language proficiency and cultural competence of their students.

Students will recognize and understand diverse manifestations of religion(s).
Students will demonstrate critical and creative cognitive skills while studying religion(s).
Students will demonstrate in both oral and written form their critical analyses and interpretations of religious phenomena.

Students will recognize and understand how the increasingly global nature of every aspect of life affects local, national and international environments.
Students will exhibit basic proficiencies in a foreign language.
Students will be able to help solve problems faced by the communities they live and work in.

Students will be able to describe in detail grammatical and linguistic features of the language studied.
Students will be able to apply principles of second language acquisition to case studies and specific populations.
Students will be able to analyze materials and assessments for their applicability to second language acquisition.
Students will be able to synthesize linguistic elements and language skills to enable proficiency development.
Students will be able to explain the significance of the perspectives and products of the target language as these contribute to the second language acquisition process.

Students will develop advanced knowledge in one or more scholarly fields in the study of religion.
Students will utilize theories and methods appropriate for graduate research in the study of religion.
Students will demonstrate critical thinking, analytical, and interpretive skills appropriate for graduate research in religion.
Students will communicate effectively both orally and in writing.