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Xavier Musketeers
History
 The
University is enhancing its 55-year tradition of honors offerings—and
raising its academic profile—with a new program. Approved by the
University’s board of trustees, Philosophy, Politics and the Public is
the University’s third honors program, joining the Honors Bachelor of
Arts program and University Scholars program. It is also the first new
honors program the University has initiated in 30 years. It is expected
to add to the University’s academic reputation by offering a course of
study unavailable at any other institution worldwide.
“It’s the only program in the world that combines all these elements,”
says E. Paul Colella, professor of philosophy and director of the new
program. “Programs in public policy abound. But what makes this new
program so unique and so intriguing is the third element: the public.
It’s the arena in which individuals can stretch themselves to become
something more.”
It’s also unique because it incorporates the traditional Jesuit
teachings—theology, philosophy and ethics—required of all Xavier
students.
Inspired by similar programs at Oxford, Yale and the University of
Pennsylvania, the Philosophy, Politics and the Public program will
enroll its first students beginning with the fall 2003 semester. While
similar honors programs at other institutions concentrate on politics
and economics, the University’s new program weaves the study of the
public into all required courses. The curriculum is a rigorous,
interdisciplinary, global study of the theoretical foundations and
historical conditions that define the public. Students study community
and public responsibility from a variety of disciplines, including
philosophy, history, political science, sociology, theology, poetry and
economics.
“Philosophy, Politics and the Public has come about because of the
dialogue we’ve had over the years concerning Xavier’s strategic role in
community building and the way that role intersects with Xavier’s
tradition for academic strength and rigor,” says University President
Michael J. Graham, S.J.
“This dialogue is crystallized in the University’s academic vision
statement,” says Roger Fortin, vice president for academic affairs.
“This is an opportunity for Xavier to build an academic infrastructure
to accommodate a focus on the public and be a mirror of what Xavier is
becoming as an institution.”
Students must complete the University Scholars core curriculum, in
addition to 18 hours of Philosophy, Politics and the Public electives
that center on a concentration such as history or Third World issues.
Students also must participate in smaller seminars and tutorials that
allow for intense and lively small group discussions.
Also, students in the program minor in a foreign language, receive a
$3,500 grant toward a summer studies program abroad, and prepare and
defend a senior research thesis.
One of the required courses in the new honors program is a two-semester
course, “Constructing the Public,” that is being team-taught this year
by history professor John Fairfield and political science instructor
Gene Beaupré. The course explores the many meanings of “public” in the
context of America’s civic culture.
All three honors programs offer a unique fraternity of highly motivated
students and top-notch professors. Honors students also enjoy use of the
honors house, a 1920s-era Spanish-style villa on campus where honors
students gather for group discussion, educational programs and
socializing. The house includes a working kitchen and recreation room
with a pool table and other games.
Fight Song
Sing the song and sing it loud and long,
Let it be our pledge today,
Our Alma Mater proud and strong,
Old Xavier for aye!
(Repeat)
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