GOALS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The European Studies Department puts forward the following five broad goals with corresponding student learning outcomes:

GOAL 1. PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH A KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING IN EUROPEAN CULTURE, HISTORY, POLITICS, AND SOCIETY

Students should be able to reveal fundamental knowledge and understanding of major concepts, theoretical approaches, historical, political and cultural events and major research.

Learning outcomes:

Students understand holistically the historical development of European politics, economics, society, and culture
Students recognize the contribution of cultural diversity to Europe’s past and present
Students handle successfully uncomplicated tasks and social situations requiring an exchange of basic information related to their work, school, recreation, particular interests, and areas of competence.

GOAL 2. FOSTER STUDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND RESPECT FOR SCIENTIFICALLY DERIVED KNOWLEDGE

Students should develop skills in scientific reasoning and problem solving including using relevant and effective research methods. Students will study research and apply Qualitative and Quantitative research methods in analytical writing in such fields of European Studies as culture, history, literature, politics, and society.

Learning outcomes:

Students use scientific reasoning to interpret historical, cultural and political events
Students think critically and comprehend, analyze, and synthesize information from a variety of primary and secondary sources, including written sources, images, and films
Students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data in European Studies issues to inform judgments that include a reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues
Students can synthesize from across the humanities and social sciences the multiple disciplinary approaches to the regional study of Europe

GOAL 3. PROMOTE STUDENTS’ ETHICAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN A DIVERSE WORLD

Students will develop ethically and socially responsible behaviors for professional and personal settings in a diverse world. Students will learn principles that govern professional ethics and act responsively in working with diverse groups of individuals.

Learning outcomes:

Students demonstrate basic knowledge of the ethical practice and basic skills in ethical decision making
Students integrate ethical standards into their own research endeavors and practice

GOAL 4. ASSIST STUDENTS IN DEVELOPING COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Students learn how to effectively communicate foreign language within areas of content and cultural knowledge. Students should be able to demonstrate second foreign language competences in reading, speaking, writing and listening corresponding to the Level BI - B2 of the Europass or ACTFL Intermediate High.

Learning outcomes:

Students can communicate and make translations both in writing and orally in a stylistically and grammatically correct manner in order to articulate the information learned in the European Studies
Students use a second foreign language to complete everyday, academic and professional tasks according to the standards described as Level B1 by Europass and “Intermediate High” by ACTFL guidelines
Students recognize and respond appropriately to many traditional cultural norms and expectations in Europe and its regions (France, Germany, and Spain) as might be encountered during everyday interactions
Students use language, literature and culture as integrally related facets of the complex phenomenon of human communication in a changing multicultural world
Students are able to communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences

GOAL 5. PREPARE STUDENTS TO BECOME COMPETENT PROFESSIONALS WHO REFLECTIVELY INTEGRATE THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE, RESEARCH FINDINGS AND PRACTICE

Students learn how to apply European Studies-specific content and skills. Students apply major knowledge of history, culture, literature and politics to personal, professional, social and organizational issues.

Learning outcomes:

Students apply their knowledge and understanding in a manner that indicates a professional approach to their work, and have competences typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments and solving problems within European politics, history, culture and foreign languages
Students demonstrate advanced knowledge of major themes in European politics, society, literature and culture in their historical contexts
Students demonstrate proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening at least one European language (French, German or Spanish) at a level B1 (Europass Language Passport ELP; ACTFL intermediate-high) where these skills can be used for communication in everyday, professional and academic situations.
Students demonstrate those learning skills that are necessary for them to continue to undertake further study and work in the areas of human and social services, research, writing and translation, teaching, management and administration with a high degree of autonomy