Overview

Viterbo’s English program allows students to explore the power of words and language while discovering and refining their own voices. Through a flexible combination of writing and literature courses, Viterbo students have the opportunity to study the styles of accomplished storytellers while developing core creative writing, editing, critical thinking, research, and communication skills that employers seek.

Policy
  • Students majoring in English must maintain an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in English courses in order to continue in the English program. Any student whose English GPA falls below 2.0 will be placed on probation for one semester. If the English GPA is not raised to at least 2.0 by the end of this one-semester grace period, the student may not enroll in additional English courses as an English major. No student will be allowed to graduate as an English major if his/her GPA in English courses is below 2.0.
  • A student who fails ENGL 255 twice will be dismissed from the English major.
  • All English majors write senior theses. Senior English majors propose and gain approval for their planned theses, complete senior theses in ENGL 481, and defend the thesis in public panel presentations. For the last English major student learning outcome, transferring skills to work, a reflective essay, up-to-date resume, and other materials will be required.
Learning Outcomes
  • Demonstrate the ability to read analytically         
    • Literary texts
    • Expository texts
    • Multi-modal texts
  • Demonstrate the ability to write effectively
    • Creative texts
    • Expository texts
    • Multi-modal texts
  • Demonstrate the ability to research and document proficiently
  • Demonstrate the ability to transfer skills to work

Requirements

Complete ENGL-103 and 104 or 105 or 195. Requirement must be completed before the end of the sophomore year.
Complete one approved sophomore writing intensive course.
Complete three credits of approved quantitative literacy. Requirement must be completed before the end of the sophomore year.
Complete one approved information literacy course. Requirement must be completed before the end of the sophomore year.
Complete one approved oral communication course. Requirement must be completed before the end of the sophomore year.

Complete one Franciscan Values and Traditions course (VUSM-100 level course). Transfer or re-entry students may have one or two mission seminars waived based on the number of transfer or completed credits.
Complete one Living in a Diverse World course. Transfer or re-entry students may have one or two mission seminars waived based on the number of transfer or completed credits.
Complete one Social Justice and Equity course.
Complete one The Ethical Life course (VUSM-400 level).

Complete three credits of historical analysis.
Complete three credits of literary analysis.
Complete four credits of scientific reasoning in the natural sciences.
Complete three credits of scientific reasoning in the social sciences.
Complete three credits of artistic engagement.
Complete three credits of theological inquiry.
Complete three credits of integrating faith and practice.
Complete three credits of philosophical and moral inquiry.

ENGL-112, 211, 218, 219, 253, 255, 273, 307, 336, 392 (3 credits), 481 (3 credits), fifteen ENGL elective credits including two courses from 329, 342, 343, 344, 350, 351, 352, two courses from 213, 214, 315, 317, 318, 332, 334. Complete a minimum of 24 upper division credits. (41 credits)

All majors in the School of Humanities are required to complete one of the following as part of the baccalaureate degree requirements: A minor from any discipline on campus, a year of study in the same language, a study abroad or immersion experience. Please see the university catalog or your advisor for more details. Certain circumstances may warrant a modification of the above and your advisor can explain those circumstances.

Complete three classes (nine credits minimum) of world language in preferably one, but not more than two languages.

Complete a minimum of 40 upper division credits (300/400).
Complete a minimum of 120 college-level credits.