Mar 28, 2024  
University Catalog 2014-2016 
    
University Catalog 2014-2016 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Division of Fine Arts and Humanities


In the Division of Fine Arts and Humanities, the departments of Art, English, History, Languages, Music, Philosophy, and Theology join forces to realize Xavier University’s mission of promoting a more just and humane society by preparing future leaders who (1) communicate clearly and coherently in writing and speaking; (2) appreciate aesthetics and creative activities; (3) employ literary and historical perspectives to understand the world’s diverse cultures; (4) are acquainted with a language other than English; and (5) enjoy an evolving perspective on African American culture and heritage. Indeed, the Division of Fine Arts and Humanities is a shining beacon for the University, without which the realization of its mission would be impossible.

While the majority of Xavier’s students major in disciplines offered by the other divisions, all of them take courses in the Division of Fine Arts and Humanities in order to graduate with a well-rounded, liberal arts education. The students who opt to major in fine arts or humanities, though a smaller number compared to those in other divisions, form a unique cadre of young scholars who learn to think outside the box in order to solve problems both critically and creatively. Graduates from this division have thus found success in a variety of fields-as demonstrated on the division’s website’s slideshow-and follow the national trend in often reporting greater satisfaction with their careers than majors in technical or scientific fields.

Students in the Division of Fine Arts and Humanities enjoy small classes taught by expert faculty who get to know and mentor them as individuals. Over 95% of the division’s faculty (excluding teachers of musical performance), hold the terminal Ph.D. or M.F.A degrees, and nearly the same high percentage of faculty teach fulltime. These faculty members have published 45 books, have performed with symphony orchestras and in venues such as Carnegie Hall and the White House, have written operas, have created the animation for feature-length Hollywood films, have won prestigious teaching awards, and have exhibited their art internationally.

The Division of Fine Arts and Humanities offers the following degree programs:

B.A. in Art 
B.A. in Art Education  (in conjunction with the Division of Education and Counseling)
B.A. in English 
B.A. in English/English Education  (in conjunction with the Division of Education and Counseling)
B.A. in Foreign Language Education  (French or Spanish, in conjunction with the Division of Education and Counseling)
B.A. in French 
B.A. in History 
B.A. in Music-Liberal Arts 
B.A. in Philosophy 
B.A. in Social Studies Education  (in conjunction with the Division of Education and Counseling)
B.A. in Spanish 
B.A. in Theology 
B.M. in Music Education  (Instrumental or Vocal, in conjunction with the Division of Education and Counseling)
B.M. in Music Performance-Instrumental 
B.M. in Music Performance-Piano 
B.M. in Music Performance-Voice