Program Review Modern Languages

Mission Statement

Graduates with a Westmont degree in Modern Languages are expected to be fluent in the language, critical-interdisciplinary thinkers, and world Christians.

1) Fluent in the Language: Graduates attain near-native fluency in the foreign language (in all four skills: speaking, listening, reading, writing) and possess the tools necessary to interact gracefully with those of other cultures. Our graduates also write well in the target language, expressing themselves not only with grammatical accuracy, but also with clarity and elegance. (cf. Standard 4: Written and Oral Communication)

2) Critical-Interdisciplinary Thinkers: Our graduates are trained in how to read, interpret, contextualize, and analyze works of literature, and are knowledgeable in theories of literary analysis. They are familiar with the “great works” of their country of study, as well as the social, historical, and political context in which they were produced. Our graduates are capable of thinking critically, abstractly, and creatively. They also think broadly, making relevant connections between language and literature and other disciplines such as the arts, history, sociology, political science, and religious studies. (cf. Standard 2: Critical-Interdisciplinary Thinking)

3) World Christians: Our graduates know and live the Christian faith, and are prepared to share it graciously with peoples of other languages and cultures. They have the understanding and skills necessary to engage people unlike them in terms that affirm the other as another person created in God’s image. They are sensitive to those from other cultural and ethnic backgrounds, respect alternative viewpoints, and understand and appreciate the diversity of God’s rich creation. (cf. Standard 3: Diversity; Standard 1: Christian Orientation)

Program Learning Outcomes

The links below lead to information about the department's most recent assessment of student learning relative to our program learning outcomes.

  • Demonstrates critical thinking
  • Articulates how Modern Language study informs their faith
  • Demonstrates advanced proficiency in the language (writing, reading, listening comprehension, and speaking)

Program Review Resources

Curriculum Map
A curriculum map is a visual representation of the structure of program curriculum. The map charts program courses, syllabi, and assessments as they relate to the intended program learning outcomes. In other words, a curriculum map is the intellectual linkage that presents twenty plus courses as a story of learning.

Multi-year Assessment Plan
A multi-year assessment plan shows what program learning outcomes will be assessed in what years.

Annual and Six-Year Reports
2021 2019 (6-year), 201820172016201520142013 (6-year)201220112010