Critical Studies in Literacy and Pedagogy - Master of Arts

The following courses (7 credits):
Composition Studies: Issues, Theory, and Research
Master’s Research Colloquium
Methods in the Teaching of College-level Writing
Rhetoric and Writing Concentration
Theory or History. One of the following courses (3 credits):
Rhetoric Theory and History
Contemporary Theories of Rhetoric
Methodology. One of the following courses (3 credits):
Research Methodologies in Rhetoric and Writing
Methods of Research in Rhetoric and Writing
Electives. Complete 15 credits from the following:
Special Topics in Teaching with Technology in Arts and Humanities
Rhetoric Theory and History
Cultural Rhetorics: Theory and Methodology
Workshop in Rhetoric and Writing
Nonfiction Writing Workshop
Multimodal Composing Theory and Practice
Contemporary Theories of Rhetoric
Independent Study in Rhetoric and Writing
Special Topics in Rhetoric and Writing
Seminar in Literacy Studies
A maximum of six credits of additional courses approved by the department in Arts and Letters, English, Language, Learning and Teaching, or Teacher Education.
Students may not use courses listed in this elective requirement if they have been used to fulfill another requirement.
Community Teaching and Literacy Concentration
Community Literacy. One of the following courses (3 credits):
Seminar in Language, Literacy, and Pedagogy
Methodology. One of the following courses (3 credits):
Research Methodologies in Rhetoric and Writing
Methods of Research in Rhetoric and Writing
Electives. Complete 15 credits from the following:
Advanced Multimedia Writing
Grant and Proposal Writing
Rhetoric Theory and History
Professional Writing Theory and Research
Multimodal Composing Theory and Practice
Contemporary Theories of Rhetoric
Writing Center Theory and Administration
Independent Study in Rhetoric and Writing
Special Topics in Rhetoric and Writing
Internship in Rhetoric and Writing
Internship in Professional Writing
Internship in Literacy and Pedagogy
Seminar in Literacy Studies
A maximum of six credits of additional courses approved by the department in Arts and Letters, English, Language, Learning and Teaching, or Teacher Education.
Students may not use courses listed in this elective requirement if they have been usedto fulfill another requirement.
Additional Requirements for Plan A
The following course (4 credits):
Master’s Thesis Research
Pass an oral certifying examination in defense of the thesis and on the course work.
Additional Requirements for Plan B
Complete 3 additional credits chosen in consultation with the student's guidance committee.
Portfolio. A portfolio developed over time must be acceptable to the student’s guidance committee. The purpose of the portfolio as a certifying examination is (1) to demonstrate an advanced understanding of and ability in practices in the teaching of English, and (2) to enable the student to articulate a coherent understanding of the major issues in English education. The portfolio requirement includes: (1) documentation of expertise in an area of English pedagogy, through videotapes of classroom teaching or classroom artifacts that demonstrate competence as a teacher of English. This documentation must be accompanied by a reflective essay that provides evidence of how the student’s studies have affected teaching practice and understanding of this practice, and (2) a second reflective essay based on a prompt that requires the student to write a position paper theorizing an important issue in the field and connecting research, theory, and practice. The submission of an acceptable portfolio satisfies the University requirement of a final examination or evaluation.