Student Learning Outcomes | Dual Languages and Cultures

After Pacific | Students who complete the dual languages and cultures major have an enhanced global awareness and people skills that allow them to thrive in a global community. They are fluent in three languages (including English) upon graduation. Our graduates work in international business and education, among other fields.

Student Learning Outcomes

The dual languages and cultures major may concentrate in French, German, Japanese or Spanish as a primary language, and French, German, Japanese, Spanish or Chinese as a secondary language. Students may also select a major in Japanese or Spanish or a major in French or German Studies.

The department seeks to graduate majors who:

  • demonstrate linguistic proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing equivalent to ACTFL Advanced Mid; communicate effectively on a wide variety of present, past, and future events; exchange general information on topics outside their fields of interest; and handle a complication or unexpected turn of events
  • evaluate major literary, intellectual or historical trends of the cultures of concentration
  • identify an interdisciplinary or disciplinary understanding of cultural diversity
  • apply appropriate research methods to a senior thesis or a capstone project in the language of specialization

Program Purpose

The Department of World Languages and Literatures seeks to provide the general student with awareness of and sensitivity toward the cultural and linguistic diversity of an increasingly interconnected world. For students specializing in language study, the Dual Languages curriculum teaches proficiency in speaking, writing, reading, and comprehending a modern language. Majors spend a semester or a year in study abroad. The curriculum is designed to ensure mastery of the languages studied through intensive conversational training.