Language and Literature Department
Read Critically. Communicate Powerfully. Connect Across Cultures
Languages and Cultures shape how we understand ourselves, engage with others and participate in the world. In Saint Xavier University’s Department of Language and Literature, students explore the power of words, stories and cultures while developing the communication skills sought by schools, businesses, nonprofit organizations and communities. Through the study of English, Spanish, writing, literature, rhetoric and cultural expressions, students learn to analyze complex ideas, communicate effectively and approach diverse experiences with curiosity and respect. Our programs combine the depth of the humanities with practical preparation for teaching, professional communication, public service and graduate study.
Our students do more than read texts or study grammar. They investigate how language creates meaning, how literature reflects and challenges society, and how effective communication can influence workplaces, classrooms and communities.
Learn From Scholars, Writers and Educators
Our faculty bring expertise in literature, rhetoric, writing, language, cultural studies and education. They are committed to helping students become thoughtful readers, skilled communicators and engaged members of their professions and communities.
Faculty mentorship may support students as they:
- Select courses and complementary areas of study
- Develop research or creative projects
- Prepare for teaching and field experiences
- Explore internships and career pathways
- Apply to graduate or professional programs
Students Develop Skills In:
- Critical reading and textual analysis
- Academic, creative and professional writing
- Public and interpersonal communication
- Linguistic and cultural competence
- Research and evidence-based argument
- Cross-cultural understanding
- Collaboration and reflective practice
- Adaptation of messages for different audiences
Whether you want to teach, work across languages, strengthen your writing or better understand the stories that shape cultures, the Department of Language, Literatures offers a path that can support your ambitions.
Programs of Study
The Department of Language and Literature offers three majors and three minors. The Department also works closely with the Education Division to allow students to combine their study of English or Spanish with an Education program.
- Law and public service
- Writing and editing
- Publishing and journalism
- Communications and public relations
- Marketing, advertising, and social media
- Grant writing and nonprofit work
- Library and information services
- Graduate and professional study
- Dual-language and bilingual education
- Curriculum development
- Educational administration
- Study-abroad and exchange programs
- Community-based language education
- Educational publishing and technology
Business and International Relations
- International business and trade
- Marketing and customer relations
- Government and diplomacy
- International and community organizations
- Human resources
- Tourism and hospitality
Health and Medical Fields
- Healthcare administration
- Patient advocacy and community outreach
- Public health
- Medical interpreting, with appropriate certification
- Social and human services
- Bilingual communication in clinical settings
| Field | Example Pathways |
| Education | Teaching, curriculum development, educational publishing |
| Business | Professional communication, training, client relations |
| Community Service | Outreach, advocacy, nonprofit programming |
| Government | Public service, community engagement, international affairs |
| Language Services | Translation, localization, bilingual services |
| Media and Publishing | Editing, content development, journalism |
| Writing | Professional, creative, technical or grant writing |
| Graduate Study | Education, English, Spanish, Rhetoric, Comparative Literature, Linguistics, Law, Communication |
Ready to Begin?
Meet the Faculty
Marc Blanc
Assistant Professor
Phone: 773-298-3387
Email: blanc@sxu.edu
Norman Boyer
Associate Professor
Phone: 773-298-3233
Email: boyer@sxu.edu
Diego Espina Barros
Assoc Prof / Interim Chair
Phone: 773-298-3234
Email: espinabarros@sxu.edu
April Fallon
Dir of General Education
Phone: 773-298-3414
Email: fallon@sxu.edu
Marianne McGeary
Lecturer
Phone: 773-298-3229
Email: mcgeary@sxu.edu
Erin Threlkeld
Adjunct Faculty
Phone: 773-298-3081
Email: threlkeld@sxu.edu