English (MA) English Education

Summary

The degree offers secondary English teachers the opportunity to enrich their knowledge of English and to develop knowledge in other areas. The program does not lead to secondary licensure. Applicants need to have a teaching license in English or be employed teaching English in a high school or community college.

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Degree

Master of Arts

Major Credits

32

Total Credits

32

Locations

Online

Career Cluster

Languages and Literature

Program Requirements

Common Core

The course focuses on the major writers, genres and periods in British literature with an emphasis on historical and critical trends in order to provide an analytical framework that will support subsequent work. Must be taken during the student's first year in the program.

Prerequisites: none

The course focuses on the major writers, genres and periods in American literature with an emphasis on historical and critical trends in order to provide an analytical framework that will support subsequent work. Must be taken during the student's first year in the program.

Prerequisites: none

Studies in selected national literature or in topics/periods of world literature. May be repeated with different subject matter.

Prerequisites: none

This course introduces students to research methods and critical writing strategies for masters¿ level work. It also focuses on professional development and the creation of documents such as CVs, conference proposals, and annotated bibliographies. The course is required for all students in the following programs: MA Literature & English Studies, MA English Education, MA Literature and Composition, GC English Literature. Students are encouraged to take this course in the first semester, if possible.

Prerequisites: none

Restricted Electives

Theory - Choose 3 Credit(s).

Introduction to the major theories of the nature of composition and their pedagogical application.

Prerequisites: none

Advanced study of theories of literature and its production and use.

Prerequisites: none

Literature Seminar - Choose 3 Credit(s).

Studies in selected authors in British, American, Multicultural, or World Literature. May be repeated with different subject matter.

Prerequisites: none

Study of works of Shakespeare, including comedies, histories, tragedies, tragic-comedies, and some shorter poetic works, including sonnets.

Prerequisites: none

Studies in topics/periods in British Literature to 1800. Emphasizes close readings of primary works, analysis of pertinent secondary works, detailed class discussion, and analytical writing. May be repeated with different subject matter.

Prerequisites: none

Studies in topics/periods in British Literature after 1800. Emphasizes close readings of primary works, analyzing pertinent secondary works, detailed class discussion, and analytical writing. May be repeated with different subject matter.

Prerequisites: none

Analysis of topics/periods in American Literature before 1865. Emphasizes close reading of primary works, analysis of pertinent secondary works, detailed class discussion, and analytical writing. May be repeated with different subject matter.

Prerequisites: none

Analysis of topics/periods in modern and contemporary American Literature, i.e. fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. Emphasizes close reading of primary works, analysis of pertinent secondary works, detailed class discussion, and analytical writing. May be repeated with different subject matter.

Prerequisites: none

Study of selected works about gender and gendered experiences up through the present with attention to gender and sexuality within cultural contexts. May be repeated with different subject matter.

Prerequisites: none

Studies in selected authors, topics, or periods of American multicultural literatures, particularly those of Native American, African American, Chicano/Latino American, and Asian American groups. Emphasizes close readings of primary works, analyzing secondary sources, and analytical writing. May be repeated with different subject matter.

Prerequisites: none

This course examines the teaching of literature across collegiate levels and is designed for English graduate students. It is both practical and theoretical, examining topics such as: the purposes for teaching literature and teaching critical thinking; pedagogical approaches for teaching literature; and designing syllabi, lesson plans, and assignments. We will explore these topics through a variety of texts and perspectives. Assignments will include creating syllabi and lesson plans, reviewing scholarship on a particular topic related to the teaching of literature, and a conference paper on some aspect of the teaching of literature.

Prerequisites: none

Topics of interest to the teacher or professional working in the field of children's and young adult literature. May be repeated with different subject matter.

Prerequisites: none

Young Adult Literature - Choose 3 - 4 Credit(s).

Topics in genres such as fantasy and historical fiction and thematic topics such as survival or journeys. May be repeated with different subject matter.

Prerequisites: none

Selected works of literature for students in grades 5-12 from a variety of countries and cultures.

Prerequisites: none

Motivation and interests of and materials for adolescent readers.

Prerequisites: none

Survey of books suitable for the Middle School classroom, covering a variety of topics and genres.

Prerequisites: none

Unrestricted Electives

Choose any courses in English, Film, Communication Studies, Reading, or Secondary Education in consultation with the academic advisor. 9-10 credits

Capstone Course

This course will involve the preparation of a portfolio in consultation with instructor.

Prerequisites: none

Independent capstone experience, focusing on secondary research sources; paper may have other guidelines specific to the program option.

Prerequisites: none

Policies

Program Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
  • 30 credits of coursework in language, literature, or related fields (undergraduate or undergraduate/graduate combined)
  • Personal statement that describes your educational and professional goals
  • Two letters of recommendation from individuals qualified to judge your academic potential
  • Resume

Additional Requirements for International Applicants

  • Minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80 or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or a minimum Duolingo score of 110
  • Credential Evaluation prepared by a National Association of Credentials Evaluation Service member.