Second Language

Core Course Description

In an effort to increase student understanding of the purpose of and interconnectivity between core courses, the syllabus should include the following statement (which is not a Catalog text):

For 101-102 courses:

"The study of a language other than your own is invaluable in today's globalized world. Study of a second language also helps you to better understand your own language as you draw comparisons about grammatical structures and etymology. In reaching at least high beginning proficiency, you will find yourself able to communicate basic information in uncomplicated situations, and/or to read uncomplicated texts in another language. Though you may not realize it until later, you will also achieve greater facility with your own language, and your empathy for others from different linguistic backgrounds will grow. "

For 201-202 courses:

"As a student attending a Jesuit Institution whose motto includes "men and women for others," you should strive to become a responsible global citizen. Language and culture are inextricably connected, and therefore the geography, history and language of a society shape its culture. At some point during your first two or three years at Xavier, you will immerse yourself in a culture and language other than your own through intermediate-level study of a language, which will lead to greater cross-cultural competency, language proficiency, sensitivity, appreciation, and engagement."

Student Learning Objectives

Student Learning Objectives are assessable and must be included in all syllabi. SLOs will be measured through the efforts of the Core Curriculum Assessment Committee and possibly through student evaluations. Each syllabus should contain the following:

For 101-102 courses:

"This course is part of the Xavier Core Curriculum, which aims to develop people of learning and reflection, integrity and achievement, in solidarity for and with others. It addresses the following core learning objective(s) at the introductory level:

2a: Students find, evaluate, and logically convey information and ideas in written and oral presentations.

[The above is a minimum for introductory language courses. Individual instructors are encouraged to add other core SLOs as appropriate.]

In addition to Xavier core learning objectives, this course includes these other key learning objectives:

[Additional SLOs to be determined by individual instructors/departments]"

For 201-202 courses:

5a: Students examine the diverse, complex, and interdependent nature of people in the world.

[The above is a minimum for introductory language courses. Individual instructors are encouraged to add other core SLOs as appropriate.]

In addition to Xavier core learning objectives, this course includes these other key learning objectives:

[Additional SLOs to be determined by individual instructors/departments]"

Course Principles

Course principles are to be addressed substantively through topics and graded assignments in every course fitting the description. While these need not be stated in the syllabus, faculty are encouraged to regularly point out how assignments are achieving these goals.

For 201-202 courses:

1. Students will demonstrate and understand of the relationship between the practices and perspectives of the culture studied based on the language studied.

2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the nature of language through comparisons of the language studied and their own.

3. Students will demonstrate understanding of the concept of culture through comparisons of the cultures studied and their own.

Approval Procedure

Second language courses are offered by the Classics and Modern Languages Department. If you would like to teach a second language course, submit your request to the Classics and Modern Languages Department Chair, who will review it and make a recommendation to CCC.