Detailed Learning Goals

Courses 101-102:

Learning Goal 1: To think critically

• Gain awareness of language systems.
• Develop new learning strategies through second language acquisition.

Learning Goal 2: To communicate effectively through the written word

• Read and write simple sentences and manipulate basic grammar.

Learning Goal 3: To communicate effectively through the spoken word

• Speak and understand at a survival level

Courses 103-104:

Learning Goal 1: To think critically

• Further analyze and understand language as a system.
• Gain a sense of the different registers of language.

Learning Goal 2: To communicate effectively through the written word

• Construct coherent short essays on a variety of personal and social topics.
• Learn close reading and comprehension skills through texts of basic to moderate levels of difficulty

Learning Goal 3: To communicate effectively through the spoken word

ACTFL Guidelines:  “Speakers can carry out the following linguistic functions: 

1. create with language;
2. ask and answer questions on familiar topics; and
3. handle (i.e. initiate, minimally sustain and close) straightforward communicative tasks in a survival or social context.”

200 level courses:

Learning Goal 1: To think critically

• Develop sensitivity to linguistic nuances and subtleties.
• Acquire the vocabulary and analytic tools for discussing complex cultural issues.

Learning Goal 2: To communicate effectively through the written word

• Write critical essays on cultural and literary topics.
• Learn textual analysis and interpretive strategies through texts of moderate to advanced levels of difficulty.

Learning Goal 3: To communicate effectively through the spoken word

• Narrate and describe in past present and future.
• Participate fully in a variety of personal and social topics.