English & Rhetoric, B.A.

Core Curriculum: 38 - 51 credit hours

Please review the Core Curriculum  page for course options.

Core Designations

Students in the English & Rhetoric major can meet the 6-hours of Global Studies or Community Engagement requirement by the following courses:

Global Studies

• EN 275 Gender & Literature (3)  
• EN 278 Global Literature (3)  

Major Requirements (21 - 24 credit hours)

• EN 112 - Composition II: Rhetorical Argument (3) (unless taken for Core credit)
• EN 213 - Writing with Style (3)
• EN 279 - Research Methods & Technology (3)
• EN 350 - Rhetorical Theory (3)
• EN 499 - Senior Seminar (3)
• SP 111 - Fundamentals of Spanish I (3)
• One additional course in History, Philosophy, or Religion (not taken for core credit) (3)
• One additional 200-level literature course (not taken for core credit) with a grade of “C” or better (3)

English & Rhetoric Concentrations (21 hours)

Students majoring in English & Rhetoric will choose one of the following concentrations to complete their degree.

Literature Concentration

• 6 Hours of Literature Electives 200 level or above
• 12 Hours of Literature Electives 300 level or above
• 3 Hours of Creative Writing Electives 200 level or above

Writing & Rhetoric Concentration

• 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

Elective Courses (minimum 31 credit hours)

Language Arts & English Teacher Education

Avila University also offers degrees approved by the State of Missouri for those who want to teach English/Language Arts. Students who want to teach English at the high school level will double major in English and Education.

Available Programs

• Education, B.S.  
• Middle School Education, B.S.  

Technology Requirement

Computer competency will be demonstrated by successful completion of EN 279  within the major.

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.