German Teaching BA
Program Purpose
The purpose of this program is to assist students in their quest to become highly proficient in German; acquire knowledge in the areas of language, culture, literature, linguistics, and history of German-speaking countries; communicate effectively in speech and writing about topics related to the culture, literature, and linguistics of German-speaking countries; and be prepared to teach German in public schools.
Learning Outcomes
German Language Proficiency
Over the past year, all graduates have reached a minimun proficiency level of Advanced Low.
Students will demonstrate a broad knowledge, comprehension, and appreciation of the culture, literature, linguistics, and history of German-speaking countries.
Students will communicate effectively in speech and writing about topics related to the culture, literature, and linguistics of German-speaking countries. Their presentations and writing will demonstrate careful analysis, critical thinking, coherent argumentation, and the ability to connect their ideas to those of relevant scholars and thinkers.
Students will become more curious about other cultural traditions and societies, and understand how engagement with these can clarify one's own intellectual and moral commitments. They will develop skills of close reading and analysis that will allow to see more than they would otherwise see in the world around them, and thus act more wisely and responsibly.
Evidence of Learning
Direct Measures
1. Course-level assessments (oral and written exams, research papers, essays, and presentations) [All outcomes]
2. Capstone paper [Outcomes 2 and 3]
3. German Portfolio [All outcomes]
4. ACTFL Proficiency Exams [Outcome 1]
Indirect Measures
1. Exit Survey (self-evaluation of language, effect of culture and literature of German-speaking cultures, and life-long learning strategies) [All outcomes]
2. Alumni Tracking Survey [All outcomes]
Learning and Teaching Assessment and Improvement
The German section annually reviews the major requirements and individual courses based on changes in the student body, the direction of the field, student feedback, and faculty observation.
Updated Learning Outcomes
This past year we revised the program learning outcomes to closely align with the BYU Aims and the College of Humanities competencies.