program description: language studies/ESL

Student Learning Objectives:

• Students will demonstrate competence in assessing and developing materials and pedagogical approaches to second language teaching based on knowledge of current theories about second language acquisition in general and acquisition of English as a second Language in particular.
• Students will demonstrate an ability to write scholarly papers on topics related to methods and materials in second language learning and teaching that is based on a good understanding of language in general and the English Language in particular.

Requirements . . . 30 hrs

Students are advised to consult the current Graduate Catalog (available on the Graduate School webpage) and the program advisor to make sure they are fulfilling the appropriate requirements.

Core curriculum…9 hours

ENG 808: Studies in Modern Composition Theory
ENG 809: Seminar in Scholarship and Writing  OR  ENG 812: Seminar in Research Methods in Rhetoric and Composition Studies (ENG812 recommended for Language Studies/ESL students)
ENG 833: Modern Literary Criticism

**Core Courses must be taken during the first or second semester of enrollment.

9-15 hours from:

ENG 710:Introduction to Linguistic Theory
ENG 715: English as a Second Language
ENG 720: History of the English Language
ENG 807: Advanced Study of Language:Knowledge & Use
ENG 810: Seminar in Linguistics
ENG 825: Old English Language & Literature (cross-listed: British Literature)
ENG 715: English as a Second Language
EMS 775: Methods and Materials of Teaching English as a second Language

3 hours (minimum) of a course in Language Studies/ESL.
3 hours (minimum) of a literature course.

Students have a choice of a thesis or non-thesis option:

For the non-thesis option, students must complete an additional 3-9 hours of electives in English to meet the requirement of 30 total hours for a Master of Arts in English; students also are required to write a mentored scholarly paper.

For the thesis option, students complete six hours of thesis credit, ENG 898: Thesis I and ENG 899: Thesis II, plus any necessary electives to meet the requirement of 30 total hours for a Master of Arts in English. Consult the Program Coordinator for information regarding registering for ENG 898/899. Thesis guidelines and requirements are available to currently enrolled students on the program Blackboard site.

All students are required to pass the Comprehensive Examination.  Comprehensive exam information, including reading list guidelines, is available to currently enrolled students on the program Blackboard site.