Concentration in Teaching Literature and Writing

Designed to prepare students for teaching careers either in independent schools or at the post-secondary level, the MA with a Concentration in Teaching Literature and Writing unites the study of literature with the study of pedagogy, while providing training and experience in teaching. The concentration takes two years to complete. Students take courses in literature, theory, criticism, and pedagogy in the first year. In the second year they continue their studies of literature and pedagogy while serving as writing instructors or teaching assistants for literature courses. Also in the second year, students culminate their work in the program with a thesis, composed in the spring semester, focused on an aspect of literary or writing pedagogy.

In the second year of the program and in compensation for their service as teachers, students receive full tuition support, payment of university fees, one-person health insurance coverage, and wages.

Program Requirements:

In tandem with the standard requirements for the master’s degree, students are expected to complete Pedagogy (ENGL 8900), one course in Literary Pedagogy (ENGL 5900 or an approved equivalent), and a thesis on pedagogy.

In addition, students are expected to complete a pedagogy practicum through two semester-length appointments as a graduate teaching assistant.

Typical Enrollment and Teaching Pattern:

First Year:

Fall:     ENGL 8800: Intro to Research Methods 

           3 additional graduate English courses                                                           

Spring:   ENGL 8900: Pedagogy Seminar (Writing)

              2-3 additional graduate English courses

Due to a College-wide requirement, students must take 18 graded credits in their first year in order to be eligible to teach in their second year. For this purpose, ENGL 8800 also counts as a “graded” requirement, because it is a course required by name for the degree. Thus students should plan to take, at a minimum, ENGL 8800 plus 15 graded credits (typically 5 additional courses) over the first year.
 

Second Year:

Fall:     1 Course in Literary Pedagogy (ENGL 5900 or an approved equivalent)               

           1 additional Graduate English Course       

           NTR courses as needed to raise credit hours to 12                                                                

           Teaching assignment: 1 section of ENWR or 1 Literature Discussion Section                                                              

 

Spring:  MA Thesis (ENGL 8998) (MA Pedagogy Thesis guidelines)

            Optional additional Graduate English Course

            NTR courses as needed to raise credit hours to 12   

            Teaching assignment: 1 section of ENWR or 1 Literature Discussion Section

 

For further information, please contact the Director of Admissions, Sandhya Shukla.