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2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
English: Writing & Rhetoric Concentration, B.A.
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 Return to: Programs of Study
The study of English and rhetoric is more vital than ever to prepare students for changes in technology, culture, and the workplace. The Avila English program develops graduates with the skills consistently cited as critical by both employers and graduate schools: the ability to think both analytically and creatively, to critically understand a wide range of texts, and to write with precision, clarity, and style.
We offer two concentrations within our B.A. in English: Literature , and Writing & Rhetoric. A minor in English is also available. Upon graduation, our majors are prepared for a range of opportunities, including education, public affairs, law school, journalism, politics, publishing/editing, creative writing, business, and graduate school.
The candidate for the Bachelor of Arts degree in English must satisfy all the general degree requirements as stated in this catalog and complete the listed Major Related and Major requirements.
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Core Requirements
All students must complete the Avila University Core Curriculum as a part of their degree programs. The Core consists of a minimum of 39 credit hours that meet the requirements listed below. Please go to Core Curriculum for more information and to view all Core classes.
Core Foundations (9-11 credit hours)
Foundations requirements provide the basic skills essential for effective participation in other classes as well as the professional world.
Core Pillars & Levels (30 credit hours)
Pillars and Levels requirements address the breadth of knowledge expected of a liberal arts education and challenges students to integrate prior knowledge and create new ideas through higher levels of coursework.
Cross-Application Note: All courses that meet a Pillar also meet a Level and may meet a Designation requirement. Some courses taken for major and/or minor requirements may also meet Core requirements.
| CORE CURRICULUM OBJECTIVES |
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Social Justice & Civic Life Pillar
(6 credit hours required) |
Creativity & Culture Pillar
(6 credit hours required)
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Belief & Reason Pillar
(6 credit hours required) |
Explorations of Nature Pillar
(6 credit hours required) |
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24 credit hours required
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ACQUIRE LEVEL |
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| TRANSFORM LEVEL |
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| 6 credit hours required |
CONTRIBUTE LEVEL |
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Core Designations
Core Component Designations requirements incorporate assignments and experiences focused on developing and deepening student understanding to prepare students for responsible lifelong contributions to the global community.
| CORE Designations |
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Interdisciplinary Studies (IS)
(9 credit hours)
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Global Studies (GS)
(9 credit hours)
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Community Engagement (CE)
(3 credit hours)
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Transfer Students
The Core Component Designations requirement for transfer students is determined by the number of credit hours transferred to Avila University. Please see the Transfer Students page within this catalog.
Cross-Application
As noted above, courses can have multiple designations and thus meet multiple requirements at once.
Example: BI 215 - Humans & the Environment (3) meets all of the following requirements:
- Belief & Reason Nature Pillar
- Transform Level
- Global Studies (GS) Designation
- Major Requirement
Major Related Requirements
(12 credit hours)
Major Requirements
(15 credit hours)
Writing & Rhetoric Concentration
(21 credit hours)
- 12 Hours of Writing or Rhetoric Electives 200 level or above
- 3 Hours of Writing or Rhetoric Electives 400 level
- 6 Hours of Literature Electives 300 level or above
Technology Requirement
Computer competency will be demonstrated by successful completion of the following course:
Language Arts and English Education
Programs in language arts and English education, approved by the State of Missouri, are offered. Kansas certification requirements may be completed concurrently.
Available Programs
Outcomes
In addition to the general degree requirements previously stated in this catalog, English majors will meet the following program outcomes:
Outcome 1.
Demonstrate skills in academic research and composition, including composing in a variety of scholarly, critical, and creative styles and genres. (EN 213 , EN 499 )
Outcome 2.
Design and apply a specific critical approach to a text, demonstrating knowledge of the text’s position within major creative and intellectual developments in literature. (EN 278 , EN 499 )
Outcome 3.
Demonstrate ability to tailor rhetorical approaches for different audiences. (EN 350 , EN 499 )
Method of Assessment and Benchmarks:
Method:
Data collection for assessment will occur in EN499. The shared English major curriculum includes coursework from both concentrations, Literature and Rhetoric and Writing, and the English capstone likewise involves knowledge in both areas. Students in the capstone will incorporate knowledge in various learning activities, culminating in a substantial academic paper and public presentation. Assessment rubrics will be used to gauge students’ proficiency. With the data collected, we can build upon and address any concerns identified in the capstone. This will enable us to look more broadly at program-wide issues and identify any needed changes in class experiences or assignments, based on trends seen overall.
The assessment rubrics will be filed in the department as part of our academic records for the purpose of generating data to improve our program and make students’ learning experiences more meaningful.
Benchmark for the Outcomes:
- Outcome 1: 80% of students in EN 499 (with 75% accuracy) will demonstrate skills in academic research and composition, including composing in a variety of scholarly, critical, and creative styles and genres, by producing a major paper which combines literary analysis with a relevant non-English disciplinary focus.
- Outcome 2: 80% of students in EN 499 (with 75% accuracy) will design and apply a specific critical approach to a text, producing a major paper which builds upon the existing body of scholarly research and criticism of the selected text or author.
- Outcome 3: 80% of students in EN 499 (with 75% accuracy) will demonstrate the ability to tailor rhetorical approaches for different audiences by producing a major paper for an academic audience, condensing and revising that paper for an oral presentation to a mixed audience, and creating an effective visual presentation to accompany the oral presentation.
Assessment
Faculty assess students in individual courses through writing assignments, projects, presentations, and exams. Course work prepares students for Senior Seminar (EN 499 ). During this capstone course, students develop an extended research project, which culminates in a substantial scholarly essay and rhetorically adept presentation at the English Colloquium.
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