Mar 28, 2024  
2007-2008 Graduate Catalog 
    
2007-2008 Graduate Catalog [NOTE!!!! THIS IS AN ARCHIVED CATALOG. FOR THE CURRENT CATALOG, GO TO CATALOG.NIU.EDU]

Master of Arts in English


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The Department of English offers two tracks leading to the M.A. degree, the choice of which depends on the student’s academic and professional goals. Track I requires a minimum of 30 semester hours, and track II requires 36 semester hours. All students pursuing the M.A. in English are required to take a final comprehensive examination after completing a minimum of 24 semester hours in the Department of English.

Students pursuing the M.A. in English may choose one of seven areas of study: British and American literature; English education; film and literature; linguistics; literature and rhetoric/composition; rhetoric and professional writing; and teaching English as a second language/TESOL (for students and educators who wish to study teaching English as a Second Language [ESL], English as a Foreign Language [EFL], bilingual education, or applied linguistics). Substitutions within each area of study may be made at the discretion of the department’s director of graduate studies.

Track I


Track I requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate credit in the Department of English and is designed to prepare students for graduate work at the doctoral level. Students in this track must pass a proficiency examination in one foreign language. Foreign language proficiency may be demonstrated in French, German, Greek (classical or koine), Italian, Latin (classical or medieval), Russian, or Spanish, or in another language approved by the director of graduate studies on the basis of demonstrated need. The student’s graduate adviser may permit limited study in fields closely related to English (subject to the approval of the director of graduate studies).

Track II


Track II requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of credit, including 27 semester hours in the Department of English. This track is designed for students who are currently teaching in secondary schools or community colleges or who plan to teach at one of these levels, whether in literature, composition, or professional, technical writing; students who plan to teach English as a second language; students who seek careers as technical writers, editors, or trainers; students interested in other careers, such as business or public relations, that require strong written communication skills; and practicing professionals in any other professional field seeking to sharpen their written communication skills. A graduate adviser and the student design a program of study (subject to the approval of the director of graduate studies) which must include 9 semester hours of study in subjects other than English and American literature, such as courses within and outside the department in the teaching of English, rhetoric, creative writing and composition, technical writing, linguistics, reading, mass media, public relations, or others that contribute to the student’s professional development.

Areas of Study


British and American Literature


And


  • Course work in literature, with consent of adviser (24 or 27)
  • Course work in nonliterature courses (0-9)
  • English Education


    This area of study is primarily designed for English language arts professionals who are currently teaching in the schools. Students interested in initial teacher certification in English should consult the discipline coordinator as soon as possible.

     

    And


    • Course work in language, literature, and rhetoric chosen in consultation with the adviser, with at least two courses from literature, one course from linguistics, and one course from rhetoric (15-24)
    • Electives chosen in consultation with adviser (0-9)

    Film and Literature


    Available in track II only.

    And


    • Electives in modern British and American literature, rhetoric, or theory and criticism (12-18)
    • Course work in communication studies, instructional technology, history, and/or philosophy, with consent of adviser (3-9)

    Additional course work (12-18)


    Course work in anthropology, computer science, English, language, philosophy, and/or psychology, chosen in consultation with the adviser (12-18)

    Literature and Rhetoric/Composition


    Course work in rhetoric and communication (6-9)


    If ENGL 501 is chosen, 9 semester hours are required in rhetoric and communication.

    Electives in literature (12-15)


    If ENGL 525 is chosen, 15 semester hours are required in literature.

    Rhetoric and Professional Writing


    Students in this area must demonstrate a competence in English grammar and usage by passing ENGL 207 or by passing the grammar exemption examination.

    Teaching English as a Second Language/TESOL


    Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in ENGL 515 and ENGL 522 in their first semester, if offered.

    Additional course work (12-18)


    Course work in anthropology, education, English, language, philosophy, rhetoric, and/or psychology, chosen in consultation with the adviser (12-18)

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