Changing the world language requirement
A case study of challenges and impacts
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 8937868 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Giovanni Zimotti (0009-0006-1146-4494, University of Iowa Iowa City Iowa USA), Christine Shea (0000-0002-2782-5868, University of Iowa Iowa City Iowa USA, corresponding author), Claire Frances (0009-0005-6851-159X, Hamilton College Clinton New York USA) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 58 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 869-888 |
| Publication date | 2025-11-23 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Foreign Language Annals (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0015-718X • E-ISSN: 1944-9720 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1111/flan.70044 |
| OpenAlex | W4416563650 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 13 |
As is well‐recognized, World Language General Education programs across US higher education face challenges that have led many institutions to question whether these programs can persist in their current state. In this study, we present the outcomes of a new model for World Languages General Education introduced at a large US public university and analyze how its implementation affected enrollment across language programs and different levels of language study. The new model allows students to select from among three distinct pathways to complete the World Language General Education requirement, each involving distinct combinations of language(s) and culture courses. After the first semester of implementation, data show shifts in enrollment trends across languages and levels in response to the new model, most notably a decline in students taking intermediate‐level language courses and instead opting for one of the two other pathways. We discuss the implications of our results and their relevance for faculty in other World Language General Education programs facing similar challenges
Face (sociological concept · General education · Higher education · Language assessment · Language education · Language industry · On Language · Relevance (law · EFL/ESL Teaching and Learning · Multilingual Education and Policy · Second Language Learning and Teaching
Enrollment Growth and Faculty Hiring at Public Research Universities
Student loan debt and the career choices of college graduates with majors in the arts
“My Friend Travis Says…”
Proficiency or Exposure
How important is studying languages for undergraduate students and why (not) study languages
Recruitment and retention of world language teacher education majors
Student Enrollment in World Languages
The politics of language enrollment in US higher education
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |