May 30, 2024  
Xavier University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 2023-2024 
  
Xavier University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 2023-2024

English, B.A.


The major in English is designed to develop writing skills, a critical and historical understanding of the English language and its literature, and a knowledge of current theories of literature, language, and humanistic interpretation. The English major is an excellent preparation for law school and for careers in education, journalism, editing, publishing, and other communications fields. It is also a fine preparation for a variety of business careers and for graduate school in business and, with appropriate science courses, for medical school.

Requirements for the English Major


Core Curriculum Requirements:


48-63 Credit Hours dependent on courses taken, including

Major Requirements:


36 credit hours, as follows

6 hours from:


One course each from the following areas:

9 hours from:


Take one course from THREE of the four areas:

9 hours of:


Note(s):


  • A 2.000 cumulative average must be attained in these English courses.
  • Undergraduates who wish to be certified as teachers of English on the secondary level are advised to consult with the Chair of the English Department and with the Office of Teacher Education and Placement regarding specific requirements for teacher certification.

TOTAL Minimum Hours Required for Degree: 120 Semester Hours


B.A. English


This block serves as a guideline for progress toward a degree. See your academic advisor.

Freshman Year


First Semester


  • ENGL 115 - Rhetoric *
  • CORE 101
  • Second Language I
  • PHIL 100 - Ethics as Intro to Philosophy
  • Mathematical  Perspectives core elective
  • THEO 111 - Theological Foundations or CORE 100 - First Year Seminar

Total (15)

Second Semester


  • ENGL 205 - Literature & Moral Imagination 
  • Historical Perspectives core elective
  • Second Language II
  • Philosophical Perspectives (PHIL 200)
  • CORE 102
  • THEO 111 - Theological Foundations or CORE 100

Total (15)

Sophomore Year


First Semester


  • ENGL 210 - Methods Workshop
  • Scientific Perspectives core elective
  • Creative Perspectives core elective
  • Theological Perspectives core elective (200+ level)
  • Quantitative Reasoning flag

Total (15)

Second Semester


  • ENGL 221 - Poetry
  • Theory/Criticism major elective
  • Natural Science core elective
  • Humanities core elective†
  • Social Science core elective

Total (15)

Junior Year


First Semester


  • British Literature major elective
  • American Literature major elective     
  • Oral Communications flag†
  • E/RS core elective†
  • General elective

Total (15)

Second Semester


  • British or American Literature major elective
  • Language/Linguistics major elective
  • Diversity flag†
  • General elective
  • General elective

Total (15)

Senior Year


First Semester


  • English major elective
  • English major elective
  • Writing Intensive flag†
  • General elective
  • General elective

Total (15)

Second Semester


  • ENGL 499 - Senior Seminar
  • General Elective
  • General Elective
  • General Elective
  • English major elective
  • CORE 499

Total (15)

Scheduling Notes:


* These required courses in the Undergraduate Core Curriculum  may be fulfilled with approved English courses.

† These electives or flags in the Undergraduate Core Curriculum  may be fulfilled with approved English courses.