Student Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes are aligned with national and state standards on language and cultural understanding, and on national standards for language skill as reflected in the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language proficiency guidelines:

• To attain advanced reading, writing, listening and speaking proficiency in the language studied.
• To obtain a broad base of knowledge and perspectives on the Classical world, or on French-, German- or Spanish-speaking civilizations, and of their respective cultures—literature, the arts, socio-historical, political and economic structures, etc.—within a variety of interpretive frameworks.
• To understand and articulate cultural practices and process as dynamic elements in the construction of identity, and to appreciate and encourage cultural diversity in human endeavor.
• To understand aspects of language and culture in the world as part of all human communication, and within interdisciplinary contexts.
• To develop skills in critical thinking and analysis, including, but not limited to, textual analysis.

The growing need for experts in the international aspects of academic and professional fields has led to a renewed interest in the foreign language minor as a complement to a student's training in a major field. In increasing numbers, students completing baccalaureate degrees in the Henry W. Bloch School of Business and Public Administration, in the Conservatory and in other departments of The School of Humanities and Social Sciences have selected a course of study that includes a minor in a foreign language. Majors in all fields are urged to discuss this possibility with their advisors.

Requirements for Program Minor

An academic minor in a target language requires a minimum of 18 hours consisting of six hours of 200-level courses or above plus 12 hours of courses at the 300- and 400-levels.