AY 2024-2025

https://calstatela.curriculog.com/proposal:11754/form

C1. How will the changes fit with the Institutional Mission / Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILO)

1 Knowledge: Mastery of content and processes of inquiry The Japanese BA program requires lower-division preparation and upper-division work in the discrete areas of language, culture, literary analysis, and linguistics/specialized language use. The required coursework guarantees that all students achieve ACTFL Intermediate-High Japanese language proficiency as well as achieving mastery of content in a broad base of knowledge, while the wide choice of electives allows students to place more focus on areas of specific interest to them. Our program also requires mastery of research methods and processes of inquiry in these fields. Japanese BA graduates engage with contemporary and enduring questions through an understanding of the complexities of human cultures and are ready to put their knowledge into action to address contemporary issues. 2 Proficiency: Intellectual skills Because of the wide range of courses in the Japanese BA, students develop their intellectual and analytical skills in quantitative (e.g., linguistic, and historical data) and qualitative (e.g., literary, cultural, and sociolinguistic analysis) areas. Students completing the BA prove these intellectual skills through a variety of assessment measures ranging from oral presentations to research papers, literary analyses, and objective examinations. Thanks to their in-depth comparative cultural, linguistic, and literary studies, Japanese BA graduates are equipped to use their critical thinking skills and actively participate in democratic debate. They have the ability to find, use, evaluate, and process information in order to engage in complex decision-making. They listen and read critically, speak and write clearly and thoughtfully, and communicate effectively. 3 Place and Community: Urban and global mission The Japanese BA pairs the development of advanced language skills with an understanding of Japanese language and culture present around the world, including communities in the United States, in particular Japanese and Japanese American communities in California. Students are prepared to function linguistically, culturally, and intellectually both within our urban region and on a global scale, benefiting from a keen appreciation of the history and presence of Japanese language and culture in myriad local and world communities. 4 Transformation: Integrative learning The humanistic study of language, literature, and culture develops in each student an understanding of human nature and the diversity of individuals and cultures around the world. These intercultural skills can be applied to any domain in which our BA graduates will find themselves in the future, as well as to their studies in any field. Similarly, the development of students’ Japanese language skills to the ACTFL Intermediate-High level in listening, reading, writing, speaking, and understanding allows them to apply their knowledge within any milieu or area of expertise. Japanese BA students engage in the community, professional, creative, research, and scholarly projects that lead to changes in their sense of self and understanding of their worlds. Graduates integrate their knowledge, skills, and experience to address complex historical and contemporary issues and act ethically as leaders for the 21st century.

 

C2. Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1. Demonstrate their ability to handle successfully a variety of predictable and concrete oral exchanges necessary for survival in the target culture (e.g., personal information covering self, family, home, daily activities, interests, and personal preferences, as well as physical and social needs, such as food, shopping, travel, and lodging).

2. Demonstrate their ability to read and write short, simple communications, compositions, descriptions, and requests for information that are based on personal preferences, daily routines, common events, and other topics related to personal experiences and immediate surroundings.

3. Perform (1) and (2) in culturally appropriate ways.

4. Demonstrate their understanding and ability to discuss cultural similarities and differences between Japanese culture and the students’ own or American culture.

5. Understand and analyze major literary works in the socio-historical contexts of the literary production, and to explain the authors of the texts.

6. Understand and explain basic linguistic terminology and socio-cultural aspects of the target language, as well as differences in sound and grammar structures between the target and English languages.

7. Demonstrate familiarity with library and information technology as part of a well-rounded education in the humanities and exploit such technology to find resources in the target language.