Program Goals

MA English: Literature and Language Program and MS English
  • Graduate students in the MA English: Literature and Language Program and the MS English program have experience with various aspects of  literary studies and its theory and practice: 
  • Understanding of issues related to canon and its evolving nature; experience reading canonical and non-canonical works
  • Understanding of elements and implications of genre theory; ability to apply genre theory to literary analysis
  • Understanding of various critical approaches; ability to apply critical theory to literary analysis
  • Recognition of the value, implications, and problems associated with periodization and historicization in literary studies
  • Ability to find, evaluate and integrate secondary sources integral to the study of primary literary works
  • Specific preparation in theory and practice in teaching literature and writing, preparation for continued graduate work, careers in teaching, or other professions that require knowledge of language and/or literature and skills in critical thinking, reading, and writing.

MA English-TESOL
  • Graduate students in English: TESOL have experience with various aspects of teaching English as a Second Language:
  • Exposure to theories of second language acquisition and their implications for language teaching
  • Knowledge of TESOL theories and methods, the history of approaches to teaching ESL, and the application of teaching resources
  • Understanding of the structural features of English and methods for teaching English grammar to non-native speakers
  • Ability to evaluate TEOSL research findings and to design and conduct research studies
  • Practical teaching and tutoring experience in implementing TESOL theory and methods
  • Preparation for continued graduate work or careers in teaching English to speakers of other languages.