1. German Language Proficiency
At the end of each of these courses, students will demonstrate German language proficiency according to the 2012 ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines as follows:
101: Novice High; 102 Intermediate Low (Some higher)
201: Intermediate Low/ Intermediate Mid; 202: Intermediate Mid (Some higher)
301: Intermediate High; 302 Intermediate High/Advanced Low; 303: Advanced Low (Some higher)
330: Students will demonstrate ability to complete written assignments in German
2. Written Assignments and Research Papers
In written assignments, students will analyze and engage with concepts or German-language artifacts in a coherent, thoughtful manner appropriate to their course level. In research papers and capstone papers, students will demonstrate their abilities to
1) find problems and questions in the artifacts that they are discussing
2) compose thesis statements that make defensible claims that address the problems and questions in the artifact
3) Compose a well-ordered argument that logically develops the ideas in the thesis statement
4) Introduce specific supporting evidence through well-integrated quotes in carefully-crafted paragraphs.
3. Entering the Critical Discourse
When confronted with new concepts and/or artifacts, students will demonstrate a level-appropriate capacity to do the following:
1) Test and question the soundness of ideas;
2) Apply difficult theoretical concepts in their analysis;
3) Recognize ethical problems and global implications;
4) explore the multivalent nature of the object of their analysis
5) engage in ongoing critical discussions and negotiate between a plurality of viewpoints.
4. Cultural Literacy
Students will be able to engage with and cogently discuss a variety of culturally significant German-language literary, historical, artistic, filmic and musical texts and artifacts from all major periods. They will be able to analyze and discuss these works in their various social, cultural, historical and religious/ethical contexts.
5. Self-Reflection
Students will be able to reflect upon their own learning, language skills, writing, critical skills, etc. Students will be able to formulate for themselves the value of the time and effort that they have spent studying the German language and culture. Students will also be able to explain the experiences from their major in a way that will be recognized and understood by future employers and other members of the non-academic community.
