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.