German, B.A.

Learning goals and Student Learning Outcomes

The following goals and learning outcomes have been established for students pursuing a degree in German:

Language

• Communicate at an American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) advanced level in culturally-appropriate ways using oral and written formats in a variety of social and professional circumstances.

Culture

• Acquire a comprehensive understanding of German-speaking history as well as modern culture and society in its various aspects, from daily life to general socio-economic and institutional structures.  Demonstrate the connection between the perspectives of the culture and its practices.

Linguistics

• Gain knowledge in the structure of the German language as well as current issues in German linguistics, and develop comparative analyses of the German and English.

Literature

• Gain knowledge of the major German literary movements with situating them in their socio-historical contexts.  Develop a greater appreciation of German-speaking literature and culture as well as the analytical tools to produce informed and critical readings of literary texts.