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2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
English & Rhetoric: Writing Concentration, B.A.
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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 & Rhetoric 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 three concentrations within our B.A. in English: English Secondary Education , Literature , and Writing. A minor in English & Rhetoric 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 & Rhetoric 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.
Skills Level (7 credit hours)
Develops fundamental skills key for both academic and professional success.
- Composition (3)
- Communication (3)
- First Year Seminar (1) - waived for transfer students
Liberal Arts Level (25 credit hours)
Provides diverse disciplinary lenses through which to examine the world. Concepts learned and viewpoints experiences at this level promote critical thinking and ethical decision-making with reference to real-life situations across the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and arts.
- Arts (3)
- History (3)
- Literature/Rhetoric (3)
- Mathematics (3)
- Natural Science (4) - must include a lab
- Philosophy (3)
- Religious Studies (3)
- Social Sciences (3)
Core Component Designations (6-12 credit hours)
Focuses on seeing beyond the self, immediate community, or chosen discipline. Designations include Interdisciplinary Studies, Global Studies, and Community Engagement, all of which call for application of learning across boundaries.
- Interdisciplinary Studies (6)
- Global Studies or Community Engagement (6)
Major Related Requirements
(12 credit hours)
Major Requirements
(12 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 each concentration, and the English capstone likewise involves knowledge in each area. 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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