Rhetorical and Quantitative Skills
The ability to write, speak and reason quantitatively are important in all walks of life. To ensure every student reaches at least a satisfactory level of instruction in these areas, the following courses are required as part of the Core:
English 101 or 115: Composition or Rhetoric
In the first year at Xavier, students will take either English Composition (ENGL 101) or Rhetoric (ENGL 115). These courses serve two aims: 1) to introduce them to writing as a subject of scholarly inquiry grounded in rhetorical theory and knowledge about the writing process; and 2) to help them develop writing skills that they will use in their college courses and beyond. Course assignments focus on expository, analytical, argument-based, and research-based writing to develop skills students will need for effective written communication in their academic, personal, professional, and public lives. English majors or minors must take ENGL115.
Basic Second Language (101-102 or 103, 201)
The study of a language is invaluable in today's globalized world. Study of a second language also helps students to better understand their own language as they draw comparisons about grammatical structures and etymology. In reaching at least high beginning proficiency, students will find themselves able to communicate basic information in uncomplicated situations, and/or to read uncomplicated texts in another language. Though students may not realize it until later, they will also achieve greater facility with their own language, and their empathy for others from different linguistic backgrounds will grow. These course are taught by the Classics and Modern Languages Department.
Oral Communication Flag
Oral Communication Flagged Courses instruct students in effective oral communication skills. Students learn to organize information, to engage an audience, and to make clear presentations. Many majors include such courses that will be tailored to their future professional needs. These courses are offered by many different departments. Use the "Attributes" feature in the course search window to identify them. These courses are offered by many different departments. Use the "Attributes" feature in the course search window to identify them.
Quantitative Reasoning Flag
Quantitative-Reasoning Flag Courses develop the ability to solve problems using numbers. In courses with this flag, students practice applying quantitative principles to real-world examples in order to obtain a better view of the situation at hand, or even solve a problem. Students learn to communicate precisely and accurately what they have done to obtain these results. Courses are also offered by various departments and students are encouraged to satisfy this, and all flags, by pursuing options offered within their major. Use the "Attributes" feature in the course search window to identify them. These courses are offered by a variety of departments. Use the "Attributes" feature in the course search window to identify them.
Writing Flag
Writing Flagged Courses give students instruction in how to collect information and convey ideas effectively. For many majors, these courses are contained within their majors' classes and will instruct them in the professional norms of their chosen field of study. Others are available throughout the university to simply advance their ability to write. These courses are offered by many different departments. Use the "Attributes" feature in the course search window to identify them. These courses are offered by many different departments. Use the "Attributes" feature in the course search window to identify them.