English

College of Humanities
Dean: Paul Sherwin

Department of English Language and Literature
HUM 289
415-338-2264
Chair: Beverly Voloshin

Program Coordinators and Undergraduate Advisers:
Director of the Writing Program—Elise Ann Wormuth
Composition for Multilingual Students (CMS, formerly ESL)—Lisa Heyer
English Education—Nelson Graff
Language Studies—Rachelle Waksler
Literature—Bruce Avery

Graduate Coordinators:
Composition—Jennifer Trainor
Linguistics—Troi Carleton
Literature—Julie Paulson
TESOL—Barry Taylor

Faculty

Professors—Avery, Carleton, Christmas, Gillotte-Tropp, Goen-Salter, Green, Jain, Klironomos, Kohn, Krasny, Langton, Lyles, Peel, Schoerke, Shih, Soliday, Stec, Swanson, Voloshin, Waksler, Weinstein, Whalley, Wormuth

Associate Professors—Hackenberg, Hanley, Kwok, Paulson, Roberge, Trainor

Assistant Professors—Abeywickrama, Cannon, Ching, Graff, Keck, Lockhart, Merriman, Morris, Mylander, Olsher, Santos, Shahani, Wardley, Yim

Programs

B.A. in English: Concentration in Literature
B.A. in English: Concentration in Linguistics
B.A. in English: Concentration in English Education
B.A. in English: Concentration in Individual Major
Minor in English and American Literature
Minor in Linguistics
M.A. in English: Concentration in Composition
M.A. in English: Concentration in Literature
M.A. in English: Concentration in Linguistics
M.A. in English: Concentration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Certificate in the Teaching of Composition
Certificate in Teaching Post-Secondary Reading

Program Scope

The B.A. in English typically includes introductory course work in the study of language, the principles of critical investigation and critical writing, and the various methods of literary and/or language study. The requirements for each concentration are intended to make each student familiar with one of the principal areas of English studies, and to show how other areas of English studies can illuminate his or her area of concentration.

The Master of Arts in English with Concentration in Literature develops professional skills, ensures breadth of knowledge, and provides opportunities for specialization. Broader relationships are studied in the survey, period, and genre courses; narrower, deeper investigations are undertaken in other seminars. The thesis explores critical possibilities well beyond the range of the seminar paper. It measures the candidate's ability to isolate and thoroughly examine a particular literary problem, theme, or idea.

The Master of Arts in English with Concentration in Linguistics provides students with a solid grounding in the tools of language analysis. The course offerings in contemporary linguistic theory cover a broad spectrum of the levels of linguistic structure: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, discourse analysis, psycholinguistics, and sociolinguistics. Since the program allows considerable choice in course work beyond a basic set of core requirements, the student in consultation with an adviser can plan a program to suit individual interests and career requirements.

The Master of Arts in English with Concentration in Literature develops professional skills, ensures breadth of knowledge, and provides opportunities for specialization. Broader relationships are studied in the survey, period, and genre courses; narrower, deeper investigations are undertaken in other seminars. The thesis explores critical possibilities well beyond the range of the seminar paper. It measures the candidate's ability to isolate and thoroughly examine a particular literary problem, theme, or idea.

The Master of Arts in English with Concentration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is offered as a result of a local, national, and international demand for persons prepared to perform various services in English as a foreign or second language. This concentration includes work in literature and foreign languages, with electives in education and the social sciences, as well as specialized work at an advanced level in linguistics and language teaching. The concentration provides training for teachers and a suitable background for supervisors and others responsible for the preparation of materials and courses of study in English as a foreign or second language. Completion of the Master of Arts in English with Concentration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) may not fulfill the requirements for teacher credentialing in the State of California; some California credentials may require additional course work and/or examinations.

The Certificate in the Teaching of Composition prepares students to teach composition at the secondary and post-secondary levels. It also provides experienced teachers with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of theory and practice in the field.

The Certificate in the Teaching of Post-Secondary Reading enables prospective and already practicing post-secondary teachers to attain proficiency in the teaching of reading at community college, college, and adult levels. Requirements for teaching reading in the community colleges (Assembly Bill 1725) specify that new instructors must possess a master's degree in education with a specialization in reading, or a master's in English or TESOL with additional certification in the teaching of reading.

Career Outlook

The English major can lead to a rewarding career in teaching as well as in professional fields such as law, publishing, information science, and business.

Students completing the Master of Arts with Concentration in Composition typically either teach at community colleges or go on to doctoral work with a view to teaching at a college or university. At the university level, specialists in composition and rhetoric are in increasing demand as researchers and directors of undergraduate writing programs. Two-year colleges are increasingly recognizing the need for professional training in the teaching of composition and are hiring accordingly.

While the Master of Arts with Concentration in Literature is specifically designed to prepare a student for a career in teaching literature in community colleges or high schools in the United States or other countries, or for going on to a doctoral program, it has a far broader application. Any career requiring communication, research or analytic skills, literacy, a careful scholarly approach and a broad understanding of human values may use this program as a base. Those include publishing, editing, media, journalism, technical writing, government service, law, and administrative or research work in business or industry.

The Master of Arts with Concentration in Linguistics prepares students for a variety of teaching and research positions in which the emphasis is on the structure of language. Graduates of the program may teach English language or writing, work in the fields of speech production or speech recognition, or go on to further study in linguistics or related disciplines.

The Master of Arts with Concentration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) prepares students specifically to teach English to non-native speakers of the language. Most graduates of the program become TESOL classroom teachers in adult education classes, public schools, intensive language programs, and colleges either in the United States or foreign countries. Others choose jobs in related areas such as program administration, curriculum design, materials writing, and teacher training.

The Certificate in the Teaching of Composition prepares students for teaching composition at the advanced secondary, community college, and college levels. Many students in M.A. programs other than Composition take the certificate as a means of preparing themselves for teaching composition in two-year colleges. In addition, a number of two-year college and high school English teachers take the courses to develop their expertise in composition.

The Certificate in Teaching Post-Secondary Reading enables prospective and already practicing post-secondary teachers to develop their ability to meet specific individual professional needs in the area of basic literacy and reading instruction. This certificate prepares students for teaching positions in the community colleges and community agencies where specialized background and techniques are necessary.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ENGLISH

General Information

Students considering teaching in the secondary schools should see a departmental credential adviser before planning their program. Specific courses and an assessment of competencies are required for admission to the Secondary Education Credential program. Students should also contact the Teacher Preparation Center, Burk Hall 244, (415) 405-3594, regarding teaching credential information.

English majors with concentrations in Literature, Linguistics, or Individual Major are required to complete a 45-unit program consisting of 6 units of lower-division prerequisites, 15 units of core requirements and 24 units in an area of concentration. English majors with a concentration in English Education must complete 6 units of lower-division prerequisites, 12 units of core requirements, between 23 and 26 units in the concentration, plus 12 to 22 units in an area of emphasis.

A maximum of 9 units of work in lower-division courses may be accepted for credit in the major upon consent of an adviser.

A.P. credit in Composition and lower-division Composition courses (e.g. ENG 214) cannot be used to fulfill the lower-division requirement in the major or minor.

ENG 480 GW: Junior Seminar fulfills the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) for all English majors passing the course in spring 2009 or later.

B.A. in English: Concentration in Literature

A maximum of 9 units of literature classes from other departments (such as Comparative and World Literature) may be accepted for credit in the major upon consent of an adviser.

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

B.A. in English: Concentration in Linguistics

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

B.A. in English: Concentration in English Education¹

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

Important Notes:
¹ Admission to the credential program at SF State requires a GPA of 2.75 (B-) or better.
² Check with an English Education adviser for specific courses that meet the requirements in the English Education concentration and with an adviser in your emphasis area to ensure that your electives are approved.
³ Candidates pursuing an emphasis in Drama should see a minor adviser in Theatre Arts to learn how to supplement the English Education major with a minor. The Drama emphasis area allows substitutions in the English Education Concentration. See an adviser if you are considering this area.

Candidates with a particular interest in Communication Studies or Comparative and World Literature can pursue special strands within those majors for subject matter competency in English.

Electronic Portfolio:
Candidates in English Education must register for ENG 688 during their final semester, when they will compile an electronic portfolio to demonstrate that they have met all of the core outcomes of the Single Subject Program. They should include artifacts - examples of their work, and faculty and peer comments on their work - and reflections that explicitly tie elements of the artifacts to the outcome statements. Directions for the portfolio are at http://eportfolio.sfsu.edu, with the template at http://eportfolio.sfsu.edu/examples/eport_english/index.html. ENG 417 (formerly 678), 419, and 655 instructors will assist students with compiling materials and composing reflections.

B.A. in English: Concentration in Individual Major

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

A list of undergraduate advisers is available in the English Department (HUM 289) or on www.sfsu.edu/~english.

MINOR IN ENGLISH AND AMERICAN LITERATURE

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

NOTE: One Literature course, lower- or upper-division, must be in Global Literatures in English.

MINOR IN LINGUISTICS

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN ENGLISH

Advising is central to the program. Students must see their advisers to shape their programs initially, to gain approval for course choices, and to prepare for the oral examination. Please contact the graduate secretary, in English, for more detailed advising information.

All M.A. candidates who wish to receive the Single Subject Teaching Credential concurrently with the M.A. should confer with an appropriate adviser in the College of Education.

MASTER OF ARTS IN ENGLISH: CONCENTRATION IN COMPOSITION

General Information

Applicants without an undergraduate major in English or a related field may be admitted conditionally but must, upon advisement, complete 3-12 units (upper-division or graduate) in literature, linguistics, education or related approved field before being advanced to classified standing and filing the Advancement to Candidacy (ATC). All applicants, regardless of their undergraduate major, must also complete 3 units, on advisement, in the area of lingusitics. Courses taken to meet admission requirements for non-English major applicants will not be accepted as part of the ATC.

Students beginning the program in fall should complete ENG 700 with a grade of B or better in their first semester and students admitted in the spring should complete it with a grade of B or better in their second semester.

The master’s program permits students to include on their ATC only courses in which they have received grades of B or better.

Students completing this program are expected to be able to write prose publishable in academic journals.

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Level One: Students must demonstrate proficiency in written English prior to admissions by submitting a writing sample with their application. The writing sample will be assessed by the admissions committee using program-approved criteria. Level Two: Students must earn a grade of B or better in ENG 700 and ENG 890 as well as satisfactorily complete ENG 895: Field Work. The writing students do in ENG 895 for Level Two Writing Proficiency will be assessed by their Culminating Experience committees, using professional journal standards in the field.

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

Culminating Experience. A field study or research project must be successfully completed by all candidates for the degree. The the field study or research project, which investigates and/or applies knowledge acquired in the student’s program of study, must have the recommendation and approval of two faculty field study or research project advisers. All SF State specifications for completion of a field study or research project must be met. Students may take ENG 895 twice and, if failing both times, will be recommended for declassification.

MASTER OF ARTS IN ENGLISH: CONCENTRATION IN LITERATURE

Admission to Program

Applicants must meet general university requirements as stated in this Bulletin. Admission to the literature concentration is competitive.

In addition to the materials sent to the graduate admissions office, the applicant must submit the following items to the English Department in order to be considered for admission: English Department application; at least two letters of recommendation; one official set of transcripts; and a writing sample (a critical or scholarly essay of 5-10 pages, preferably one written as part of a literature course). Contact the graduate secretary in English for the department application and deadlines.

Applicants who meet the following requirements are eligible for admission to classified status: completion of an undergraduate English literature major, comparable to the major program at this university, and achievement of a GPA of at least 3.0 in the major.

Applicants who do not meet the above requirements may be accepted conditionally and can achieve classified status as follows:

• With subject matter deficiency: a 3.0 or higher GPA in an undergraduate major other than English with either some courses in literature (with a 3.0 or higher GPA) or a background showing personal interest in literature. The applicant will be directed by a graduate adviser to complete course work in this university's undergraduate major, but such courses may not be credited toward the M.A. program.
• With a grade point average deficiency: a GPA of 2.5 to 2.9 in an undergraduate English major. The applicant is required to take 9 to 12 units of upper-division literature courses, with a GPA of at least 3.0 attained in them, before being admitted to graduate work. These courses may be credited toward the Master of Arts in English with Concentration in Literature program. If the required GPA is not attained, the student will be disqualified from the M.A. program in literature.
• With both subject matter and GPA deficiency: a course record as described above in "subject matter deficiency" with a GPA of 2.5 to 2.9. The applicant is in conditional status as described in "grade point average deficiency" while earning undergraduate major units as described in "subject matter deficiency."

Denial. Applications that do not permit admission under the above rules must be denied unless the Graduate Literature Curriculum Committee makes an exception.

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Level One: satisfactory performance on papers in ENG 741. Level Two: satisfactory completion of the M.A. thesis.

Program

The program consists of ten courses (minimum 30 units) of which seven courses (minimum 21 units) must be graduate level courses. Of these graduate courses, six (18 units) must be English Department courses, of which three (9 units) must be seminars from the 742-790 range. Students may choose either an emphasis in General Studies or Special Studies. See guidelines for each emphasis after the Program Requirements.

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

NOTE: The only pedagogy course that may be included among the electives is ENG 717: Projects in Teaching Literature. ENG 704, 705, and 715 may not be included. Related courses from other departments (up to 6 units with approval of adviser) may be included.

Students must earn a B- or better in all courses listed on the ATC.

All students follow the General Studies Emphasis unless the Special Studies Emphasis is chosen before completing four of the required ten courses (see below).

General Studies Emphasis

Students are required to take one course from those listed below under the category Literary History, and one course from those listed under the category Literary Theories and Methods. The department recommends that students take two from each category, and that at least one from each category be a graduate seminar (711, 712, 742-800).

Literary History

Undergraduate courses: 501, 503*, 504, 508*, 509, 510, 512*, 514, 516, 520, 521*, 522, 525*, 526, 527, 528, 529, 531, 532, 533, 535, 546, 550, 551, 552, 553, 554, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 570, 571, 573, 574, 580, 583, 584, 589; 655.

Graduate seminars: 711, 712, 750-789.

Or classes approved by an adviser.

Note: the asterisked courses might be conceivable as Literary Theory and Methods depending on what approach is taken by the instructor. These are the "Studies in . . ." format courses, and can count under Literary Theory and Methods only with the permission of an adviser.

Literary Theories and Methods

Undergraduate courses: 429, 600, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 610, 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 618, 630, 631, 633, 634, 635.

Graduate seminars: 742, 744, 745, 746, 747, 748, 790, 800.

Or classes approved by an adviser.

Early Period Requirement. Three of the 30 units in the General Studies Emphasis must be chosen from courses in literature before 1800. The early period requirement may be met by courses that also fulfill the above listed program requirements (for example, the early period course might also count as the Literary History or Literary Theories and Methods required course, or it might count as an elective). Thus, the early period requirement is a distribution requirement, not a course requirement.

Special Studies Emphasis

The special studies emphasis is available to students whose proposed fields of study (for example, cultural criticism or reader response approaches to literature) do not fall readily within the Literary History and Literary Theories and Methods rubrics of the general studies emphasis. Students who wish to focus on special studies must define their course of study in a written proposal submitted early in their graduate career and before completing four of the required ten courses. The proposal must be approved and signed by a graduate adviser and by the English Department's graduate literature program coordinator.

The number of courses and seminars, graduate level courses, and electives selected individually by the student and proposed for the special studies emphasis must conform to the program requirements (see above).

Culminating Experience

Master's Thesis, Prospectus, and Oral Examination required for the General Studies and Special Studies Emphases. The prospectus and the oral are scheduled before a student begins writing the thesis. The prospectus is a written statement, usually including the controlling purpose of the thesis; the selection of literary materials; the relevant scholarship and criticism; and the value and interest of the study. The oral is a one-hour examination on the prospectus conducted by the two thesis readers.

A candidate who has failed the oral examination may not take it again before the next regular semester. A candidate who failed the examination twice will not be permitted to continue in the program for the M.A. in Literature. Consult The Prospectus and the Thesis handout available in the English Office for more information.

MASTER OF ARTS IN ENGLISH: CONCENTRATION IN LINGUISTICS

Admission to Program

Prerequisites: In order to be fully classified, students must have already taken the equivalents, or take at SF State the following:

• Linguistics/Language Studies: ENG 421, 424, 425, and 426 (12 units).
• 6 upper-division or graduate units in literature in the English language.
• 10 units of a modern European language.
• A non-Indo-European language concurrent with ENG 426.

All linguistics/language studies courses must be taken for a letter grade, and students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA in these courses with no grade lower than a B- to continue in the program.

Students whose native language is not English and whose B.A. was completed outside the United States must present evidence of a computer-based TOEFL score of at least 240 (Internet-based TOEFL: 95, paper-based TOEFL, 590) with a writing subscore of at least 4.5. (Internet-based writing score of at least 24). Applicants who do not meet this minimum TOEFL requirement will not be admitted; there is no conditional admission. A TOEFL score of 240 is considered to be very minimal; applicants who demonstrate stronger English proficiency with a higher TOEFL score (and higher writing subscore) will have a better chance of being recommended for admission to the program for the Master of Arts in English with Concentration in Linguistics.

In addition, non-native speakers of English must take the Composition for Multilingual Students Placement Test (CMSPT) for assessment of their English writing proficiency upon entry to the university. They may be required to take ENG 670 and/or other writing course(s).

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Level One: Satisfactory performance on the final research paper for ENG 426, Second Language Acquisition, or, if the course is waived, an equivalent paper. Students whose writing ability is not satisfactory will be required to take a graduate-level composition course, such as ENG 670 or CHS 514. This course may not be used to fulfill other requirements for the degree. Level Two: Satisfactory performance in ENG 895 or 898.

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

Master's Examinations. Failure in these examinations does not disqualify the candidate unless the examining committee so directs. The candidate may take the examinations twice, and, if failure occurs both times, will be disqualified from the graduate program.

Foreign Language Requirement. 10 semester units, or the equivalent, of a modern European language, plus a minimum of one semester or the equivalent of a non-Indo-European language, concurrent with ENG 426, is required of all candidates for the Master of Arts in English with Concentration in Linguistics. The student has the alternative of satisfying the foreign language requirement by examination. Units earned in foreign language study are not to be included in the student's Advancement to Candidacy.

MASTER OF ARTS IN ENGLISH: CONCENTRATION IN TEACHING ENGLISH TO SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES

Admission to Program

Prerequisites: In order to be fully classified, students must meet the conditions below:

• Linguistics/Language Studies—If not waived based on previous course work, students must take the following at SFSU: ENG 421, 424, 425, and 426 (12 units).
• Literature—Students must have already taken equivalent courses or take at SFSU 6 upper-division or graduate units in British, American, or other literature in the English language.
• Foreign Language Prerequisite Requirement—One semester's work (3 to 5 units) of one foreign language is required, to be taken concurrently with ENG 426, Second Language Acquisition. Both native and non-native speakers of English must fulfill this requirement. For non-native speakers of English, the foreign language can be English or another language.

ENG 421 and 424 may be taken concurrently with ENG 730. ENG 425 and 426 must be completed prior to ENG 730. All linguistics/language studies courses must be taken for a letter grade, and students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA in these courses and no grade lower than a B- to continue in the program. Literature courses may be taken for a letter grade or credit if the courses selected permit the grading option desired.

Students whose native language is not English and whose B.A. was completed outside the United States must present evidence of a computer-based TOEFL score of at least 240 (Internet-based TOEFL: 95, paper-based TOEFL: 590) with a writing subscore of at least 4.5 (Internet-based writing score of at least 24). Applicants who do not meet this minimum TOEFL requirement will not be admitted; there is no conditional admission. A TOEFL score of 240 is considered to be very minimal; applicants who demonstrate stronger English proficiency with a higher TOEFL score (and higher writing subscore) will have a better chance of being recommended for admission to the Master of Arts in English with Concentration in TESOL.

In addition, non-native speakers of English who are required to take the TOEFL, who are admitted, and who enroll, must take the Composition for Multilingual Students Placement Test (CMSPT) for assessment of their English writing proficiency upon entry to the university. They may be required to take ENG 670 and/or other writing course(s).

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Level One: Satisfactory performance on the final research paper for ENG 426, Second Language Acquisition, or, if the course is waived, an equivalent paper. Students whose writing ability is not satisfactory will be required to take a graduate-level composition course, such as ENG 670 or CHS 514. This course may not be used to fulfill other requirements for the M.A. Level Two: Satisfactory performance in ENG 891.

Teaching Experience

Students who have fewer than two years of ESL/EFL classroom teaching experience are required to get teaching experience before enrolling in ENG 733, Student Teaching. This requirement may be fulfilled by (a) enrolling in ENG 726, (b) an internship at the American Language Institute (http://www.sfsu.edu/~bulletin/current/rnlfac.htm), or (c) approval by an adviser of sufficient prior teaching experience.

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

During the second-to-last semester in the program, students are required to complete a form called the Advancement to Candidacy (ATC), which lists those courses they are using to fulfill the requirements for the Master of Arts in English with Concentration in TESOL. Students must earn an overall GPA of 3.0 and a B- or better in all courses listed in that document.

Foreign Language Requirement. For native speakers of English, one semester's work (3-5 units), or its equivalent, in a non-Indo-European language is required in order to complete the Master of Arts in English with Concentration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. With the approval of an adviser, an Indo-European language which differs considerably from English (e.g., Farsi, Hindi) may be substituted. American Sign Language (ASL) may also be used to fulfill this requirement. For non-native speakers of English, the foreign language requirement is waived. (However, note that the Foreign Language Prerequisite Requirement applies to all.)

Culminating Experience. Either the Master's Examinations or a Master's Thesis must be successfully completed by all candidates for the degree. The oral and written comprehensive examinations assess the ability of students to integrate the knowledge and experience they have acquired in this field. The examinations are on the content areas covered in the program with an emphasis on methodological facets of TESOL. The candidate may take the examinations twice and, if failing both times, will be disqualified from the graduate program.

A thesis, which investigates a subfield of inquiry within TESOL, must have the recommendation and approval of two faculty thesis advisers. All SF State specifications for completion of a master's thesis must be met. Upon completion of the thesis, the student must pass an oral defense.

CERTIFICATE IN IMMIGRANT LITERACIES

The Certificate in Immigrant Literacies is designed to provide academic training in the study of language, literacies, and the immigrant experience. The program integrates community service learning to enable Certificate students to integrate their professional expertise and cross-disciplinary thinking with meaningful civic action.

Admissions Requirements and Application Process

For matriculated students, admission to the certificate program requires submission of an online application. Application materials include: (1) a short personal statement which outlines the applicants’ interests in immigrant language and literacy issues; (2) transcript, (3) current vita or résumé; (4) names and contact information for TWO references. (provide name, job title or relationship, address, phone number); and (5) evidence of completion of the university’s Level I written English proficiency requirement. The same application materials will be required from applicants who are non-matriculated students.

For matriculated graduate students in TESOL: Evidence of completion of the written English proficiency requirement is demonstrated by satisfactory completion of ENG 426 Second language acquisition.

For matriculated graduate students in other departments: Students should check the requirements as stipulated by their program area.

For non-matriculated students: Students are asked to include the following in their applications materials: passing score on the Analytical Writing section of the GRE or GMAT; or a 3-4 page academic writing sample (e.g., research paper, grant proposal, publication) using rubrics approved by CWEP and held on file in the graduate division office.

A small fee is charged for processing the application.

Applicants who are matriculated graduate students may enter the Certificate Program at any point after acceptance into a SF State graduate degree program. Graduate students who wish to apply must consult with their adviser immediately to find out how best to sequence their coursework to satisfy both home Department requirements and Certificate requirements.

Applicants who are not currently matriculated in any SF State graduate degree program (e.g., in-service ESOL teachers, health professionals) must apply (via graduate admissions) and be admitted to the University and to the graduate Certificate Program. Acceptance into the program is with approval of the Certificate Program Director and consent of program faculty following review of the application materials (listed above).

Students interested in admission to the certificate programs need not have completed undergraduate degree programs in English literature or language studies, nor do they need to be enrolled in master's programs offered in the Department of English. Graduate students from master's programs offered in this department should contact their advisers to find out how many of the certificate courses may be used towards meeting degree requirements in their MA program. Unclassified graduate students and candidates for degrees in other departments may be accepted into the program with the approval of the certificate faculty.

Out-of-state and international students are welcome to apply to the Program. For applicants whose native language is not English: a recent internet based TOEFL (IBT) score of 95, with an essay rating of 24. Applicants who do not meet the minimum TOEFL requirement will NOT be admitted; there is NO conditional admission. A TOEFL score of 95 is considered to be very minimal; applicants who demonstrate stronger English proficiency with a higher TOEFL score (and higher essay rating) will have a better chance of being admitted.

CERTIFICATE IN THE TEACHING OF COMPOSITION AND CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING POST-SECONDARY READING

The Certificate in the Teaching of Composition and the Certificate in Teaching Post-Secondary Reading are designed to provide theoretical and pedagogical preparation for students who plan to teach writing and/or reading in post-secondary classrooms.

Admission to Program

For matriculated students, admission to either or both of the certificate programs requires completion of the internal English Department application, which should be submitted to the department.

This internal application is available in the main department office, HUM 289, or at www.sfsu.edu/~english. Those seeking the Certificates in Teaching Composition or Post-secondary Reading must submit the application during their first semester of certificate coursework.

Anyone who wishes a certificate but is not currently a matriculated graduate student will need to apply to the university, using the published admissions process, before being considered for admission to the composition or reading certificate programs. For information about how to complete this application, students should consult the appropriate graduate coordinator of the Division of Graduate Studies.

Students interested in admission to the certificate programs need not have completed undergraduate degree programs in English literature or language studies, nor need they be enrolled in master's programs offered in the Department of English. Graduate students from master's programs offered in this department should contact their advisers to find out how many of the courses taken for the composition or reading certificates may be used to meet degree requirements in their MA program. Graduate students from masters programs offered in other departments should contact their adviser to find out how many of the courses taken for composition or reading certificates they may use to meet degree requirements in their MA program.

Upon completion of all the certificate courses, students must fill out a CAP form (Certificate Approved Program) for the final award of the degree. Please contact the English Department in HUM 289 for specific instructions.

All certificate candidates should familiarize themselves with the general guidelines for earning a certificate on this campus. A student planning to earn an undergraduate or graduate certificate must meet the requirements listed in the Certificate Programs section of this Bulletin. Any student who decides he/she wishes to apply for the Master of Arts in English with Concentration in Composition must consult his/her adviser immediately to find out how best to proceed.

Certificate in the Teaching of Composition

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Level One:Students who are already matriculated in a graduate program on-campus will have satisfied Level One via their home department’s criteria. Students who are returning for the certificate only must submit a writing sample with their application.Level Two: Students must earn a grade of B or better in ENG 700.

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

Certificate in Teaching Post-Secondary Reading

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Level One: students will meet Level One requirements in their home department. Level Two: students must earn a grade of B or better in all of the required courses.

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.