Department of English and Communication

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The department of English and communication offers majors leading to the bachelor of arts degree in communication studies, strategic communication, literary studies, English for secondary certification, and professional writing; minors in communication studies, strategic communication, literary studies, professional writing, and English (for middle school education majors only); courses in foreign languages; and American English and Intensive English programs for international students.

The communication studies major provides broad theoretical understanding of the ways in which humans construct meaning and relate to one another as well as practical communication skills for creating effective messages, solving problems, and making ethical decisions. The major provides a foundation for pursuing careers in a variety of areas including corporate, non-profit, and civic communication management, media relations, human resources, and training and development as well as a foundation for graduate study in communication and other fields.

The strategic communication major provides focused theoretical understanding of and practical skills in ethical and effective messaging geared toward goals like influencing behavior, building or repairing an image, and effecting social change. The major provides a foundation for pursuing careers in a variety of areas including public relations, advertising, political communication, media strategy, and public advocacy.

The literary studies major, which emphasizes in-depth study of literature including critical analysis and exploration of literary theory and history, preserves the traditions of the liberal arts while providing a foundation to support a range of professional pursuits. A major in literary studies is excellent preparation for graduate study in the humanities or for careers in communication, business, law, and government, among other fields.

The professional writing major blends theoretical study of effective written communication with practical application of writing skills to a variety of professional contexts. Students develop a well-rounded understanding of the production of professional-quality written materials for the digital age, with the opportunity to explore particular areas of interest such as creative writing, journalism, institutional communication, advocacy and outreach, or online writing.

The major in English for secondary certification enriches state-required teacher preparation with innovative courses focused on language and literature that are specifically tailored to the needs of high school teachers. Students are advised and mentored through a collaborative process that includes faculty in both the English and Communication and Education departments, reflecting a dual focus on classroom content and practice.

Faculty

Benjamin Moore, Associate Professor of English
Heather Norton, Professor of Communication, Chairperson of the Department of English and Communication
Lisa Oliverio, Associate Professor of English
John Whicker, Assistant Professor of English, Director of Composition
Kasi Williamson, Assistant Professor of Communication

Advance Placement/Credit by Examination

Advanced Placement

An entering student who scores four or five on the Advanced Placement (AP) Test will receive equivalent placement and college credit equivalent to one or two courses, ordinarily ENG 101  and/or ENG 120 . The amount of credit and the specific courses for which credit will be given depend upon the quality of work demonstrated on the AP test and on the nature of the high school course.

CLEP Examination in English

Students who take the general exam and receive a passing score (following the American Council of Education recommendation) will earn three credit hours for ENG 101 . Some credit may be awarded on the CLEP literature exams.

Foreign Language Study at the University College, Washington University in St. Louis

Students who pursue foreign language studies combine the study of the cultures and traditions of other nations with a developing facility for communicating ideas through the functional use of a foreign language.

Fontbonne students may study foreign languages through a special arrangement with the University College of Washington University in St. Louis. Credits earned for foreign language through the University College count as home credit for Fontbonne students.

For information contact the Registrar’s Office.

American English Program

Courses in American English or intensive English are offered as needed. American English (AEN) courses support international students enrolled in specific degree programs at Fontbonne University, while intensive English (IEP) courses offer specialized instruction to students learning English as a second language. For purposes of placement, the student will be required to take the ACCUPLACER ESL Test.

Courses in American English (listed at the end of the course section) and intensive English follow a separate fee schedule.

For information, please contact the director of English as a second language at 314.719.8058.

Intensive English Program

The Intensive English Program is designed for non-native speakers of English. The purpose of the program is to help students improve their English language proficiency to a level of competence necessary to function and succeed at Fontbonne and other American universities.

Courses are offered at four levels, low intermediate to advanced, and consist of 20 hours of classroom instruction in English per week. Classes are small, usually 6 to 12 students. Depending on the number of students enrolled in the program, two proficiency levels may be combined.

Placement is determined by the ACCUPLACER ESL Test administered during the first class to determine which level is appropriate for the student. A TOEFL Test score will also be considered.

Conditional Admission

Based on the score achieved on either of the above tests, students may receive Conditional Admission. This allows non-native speakers of English to enroll in Fontbonne as full-time undergraduate students for 12 credit hours. Students take one or more regular college courses with U.S. students and attend ESL courses to support them in the transition to full-time academic work.

Programs

• Communication Studies, B.A.
• English, B.A.
• General Studies, Communication Emphasis, B.A.
• General Studies, Literature Emphasis, B.A.
• General Studies, Writing Emphasis, B.A.
• Professional Writing, B.A.
• Strategic Communication, B.A.

• Communication Studies Minor
• English Minor
• Literary Studies Minor
• Professional Writing Minor
• Strategic Communication Minor

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