Affirming the mission statements of the university (with its emphasis on Excellence, Faith, Leadership, and Service), the University Core of Common Studies, and the College of Arts & Sciences' Core Curriculum, the English Department offers a number of interrelated student learning outcomes.
Student Learning Outcomes for the English Major:
Upon completing the Literature or Writing-Intensive English major, Marquette University students will be able to:
- Analyze literary texts or their equivalents (e.g. film).
- Write convincing interpretive arguments of texts under consideration. Writing-Intensive English majors will be able to construct texts within specific creative and/or workplace genre conventions
- Explain how language and literary works shape their perceptions of themselves and their world.
These learning outcomes for English majors build on the learning outcomes for the University Core in the Rhetoric and Literature Knowledge Areas.
Student Learning Outcomes for the Core Literature/Performing Arts Knowledge Area:
Upon completing English core studies in literature (ENGL 5, 6, 22, 23, 32,33 42, 43, 44, 45,55), Marquette University students will be able to:
- Produce oral and written assessments of literary and cultural texts and/or performances using the language and concepts of one of these two knowledge area disciplines.
- Articulate how literary and cultural texts and/or performances can transform one's understanding of self, others, and communities.
- LIT-specific outcome: Apply the methodologies of literary criticism to representative works of literature.
Student Learning Outcomes for the Diverse Cultures Knowledge Area:
Upon completing English core studies in diverse cultures (ENGL 147, 157, 177), Marquette University students will be able to:
- Identify differences and similarities in communication, values, practices, and beliefs between one's own culture and other cultures.
- Explain how categories of human diversity (such as race, gender, ethnicity, and disability) influence personal identities and can create structural and institutional inequity.
- Critically reflect upon one's personal and cultural presuppositions and how these affect one's values and relationships.
Student Learning Outcomes for the Rhetoric Knowledge Area:
Upon completing English core courses in the rhetoric knowledge area (ENGL 1 and 2), Marquette University students will be able to:
- Identify and use rhetorical strategies (i.e., invention, arrangement and style) in the processes of analyzing and composing texts;
- Produce effective written, visual and oral texts, given diverse purposes, genres and audiences;
- Explain the importance of ethical communication as practiced within academic, civic and professional communities.
English Department
