English

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The M.A. degree in English is awarded upon the successful completion of the following requirements: 30-36 semester hours of graduate credit—15 hours of which are the CORE, which consists of ENGL 618 (Research Methods), A Theory/Literary Criticism course, An Early British Literature Course, A Late British Literature Course, and An American Literature Course, and, depending on type of degree sought (M.A. with Thesis or M.A. with Non- Thesis Option), EITHER 9 additional hours of graduate coursework and 6 hours of thesis/ portfolio credit, OR 21 additional hours of graduate coursework selected by the student and his or her advisor. These 9 or 21 additional graduate hours must be in one of three CONCENTRATIONS: Literature, Professional Writing, or TESOL. In addition, all M.A. students (thesis or non-thesis option) must successfully pass written comprehensive examinations on both Early and Later Literature, a reading examination in a foreign language— normally French, German, or Spanish, and, in the case of those writing a thesis, a final oral defense. For reading lists, sample exams, and other information on the M.A., see the 2004 Guide to Graduate Study in English, available online.

Two Certificate Programs, in Professional Writing or TESOL, are offered by the Department of English. These are 15-hour (five course) programs, which lead to a Certificate awarded by the Graduate School and designation of completion on the official transcript. See below for more information.

Literature Concentration

If a student selects the Literature Concentration, he or she must successfully complete both the 15-hour M.A. Core, plus either 9 hours of graduate coursework in literature chosen with the help of his or her advisor (Thesis Option), or 21 hours of graduate coursework in literature chosen with the help of the advisor (for the Non-Thesis Option). No specific courses are prescribed for the concentration itself, but are selected by both student and advisor to best mesh with the student’s professional needs and aspirations.

Professional Writing Concentration

In addition to completing the 15-hour core curriculum of the Graduate English Curriculum, students selecting the Professional Writing Concentration must successfully complete either 9 hours of graduate coursework in Professional Writing chosen with the help of his or her advisor plus complete a thesis (Thesis Option), or 21 hours of graduate coursework in Professional Writing chosen with the help of the advisor (for the Non-Thesis Option). No specific courses are prescribed but are to be selected by the student and the advisor to meet the student’s professional needs and aspirations.

TESOL Concentration

The concentration in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) prepares students to teach English to non-native speakers in a variety of situations. The topics covered are governed by the guidelines established for the English as a Second Language Curriculum by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. In addition to completing the 15-hour Core required for all M.A. degrees in English, the student who selects the TESOL concentration must successfully complete either 9 hours of graduate coursework in TESOL and a thesis, or 21 hours of graduate coursework in TESOL. The courses available enable students to analyze the linguistic components of English: syntax, morphology, semantics, pragmatics, phonology, phonetics, and discourse. Students also cover sociolinguistic questions concerning the relationship of language to culture and issues related to dialects and varieties of English. In addition, students will study language acquisition and have opportunities to apply theoretical insight to the practical task of designing and implementing lesson plans and courses of study.

TESOL Certificate

The Certificate Program in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is a non-degree option that prepares students to teach English to non-native speakers in a variety of situations ranging from public school instruction to community college instruction to overseas instruction. It is well-suited for both those who have a background in education as well as those who wish to make a career change and move into an exciting and diverse field. The topics covered are governed by the guidelines established for the English as a Second Language Curriculum by the NC Department of Public Instruction. A student who selects the TESOL Certificate Program must successfully complete 15 hours of graduate coursework in TESOL. The Program leads to a Certificate issued by the Graduate School and a designation on the official transcript. The Certificate Program does not lead to licensure. The courses available enable students to analyze the linguistic components of English–syntax, morphology, semantics, pragmatics, phonology, phonetics, and discourse. Students also cover sociolinguistic questions concerning the relationship of language to culture and issues related to dialects and varieties of English. In addition, students will study language acquisition and have opportunities to apply theoretical insight to the practical task of designing and implementing lesson plans and courses of study.

Professional Writing Certificate

The Certificate Program in Professional Writing is designed for students seeking advanced preparation for entering successful, professional writing careers in fields that regularly recruit new writers, editors, publishing assistants, or promotional talents. The program is especially targeted to those who are already working and need or wish to brush up on their writing and editing skills, but who do not wish, at this time, to pursue a complete graduate program. The Certificate Program in Professional Writing leads to a Certificate awarded by the Graduate School and a designation on the official transcript. The Program requires 15 hours of graduate work, consisting of a required course, ENGL 603, Writing for the Marketplace, plus 9 hours selected from either the creative track (Fiction Writing, Poetry Writing, Nonfiction Writing, Breaking into Publishing, or Special Topics in Writing) or a professional writing track (Writing for Careers, Technical Writing, Writing for Electronic Environments, or Special Topics in Writing) or a combination of both, plus a capstone course, ENGL 589, Co-op: Writing and Editing. Should students wish to pursue a graduate degree, the courses in the Certificate Program can be applied toward a Master’s degree in English with a Professional Writing Concentration.