English
College of Arts and Humanities
Dean: Paul Sherwin
Department of English Language and Literature
HUM 289
Phone: 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: Paul Morris
Linguistics: Rachelle Waksler
Literature: Bruce Avery
Graduate Coordinators
Composition: Mark Roberge
Linguistics: Troi Carleton
Literature: Julie Paulson
TESOL: Maricel Santos
Faculty
Professors: Avery, Carleton, Christmas, Gillotte-Tropp, Goen-Salter, Green, Jain, Klironomos, Kohn, Krasny, Langton, Lyles, Peel, Schoerke, Shih, Soliday, Stec, Voloshin, Waksler, Weinstein, Whalley, Wormuth
Associate Professors: Hackenberg, Hanley, Kwok, Olsher, Paulson, Roberge, Santos, Trainor
Assistant Professors: Abeywickrama, Cannon, Ching, Graff, Keck, Lockhart, Merriman, Morris, Mylander, Shahani, Wardley, Yim
Programs
Concentrations in:
Minor in English and American Literature
M.A. in English
Concentrations in:
Certificate in Immigrant Literacies
Certificate in 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 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 Masters in English with a Concentration in Composition provides students with a broad background in the theory, research, policy, and practice of teaching composition and postsecondary reading to diverse student populations.
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.
The Certificate in Immigrant Literacies represents an innovative graduate-level program for pre-service and in-service professionals who wish to combine cross-disciplinary study of language, literacies, and the immigrant experience with community service learning. The Certificate program primarily targets matriculated graduate students preparing for careers in adult ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages), health, community development, and other careers that serve the needs of immigrant groups, as well as professionals who are already working in these careers. Certificate students learn about the influence of language and literacies in a specific social context (e.g., health) and hone community partnership skills for meaningful advocacy and collaboration within the local community. The program’s broader goals aim to foster the commitment, knowledge, and skills that are fundamental to proactive civic engagement.
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.
The Certificate in Immigrant Literacies program prepares students to work in community-based adult CMS/literacy settings as adult CMS teachers and/or community partners with adult CMS programs. Students who graduate with a Certificate also find jobs in related areas, including CMS curriculum development, materials writing, community-based participatory research, community organizing, grant-writing, and partnership building.
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 - GWAR 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.
Lower-division
coursework in literature in English
(prerequisites for or corequisites with ENG 480 GW: Junior Seminar - GWAR) 6 units.
Core Requirements (15 units)
One upper-division course in Shakespeare. 3 units.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 480 GW | Junior Seminar - GWAR | 3 |
| ENG 460 | Literature in English I: Beginnings to Seventeenth Century | 3 |
| ENG 461 | Literature in English II: Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries | 3 |
| ENG 462 | Literature in English III: Twentieth Century and Beyond | 3 |
Total for Core: 15 units
Concentration: Literature
One course in Linguistics with approval of adviser. 3 units.
One course in theory or criticism with approval of adviser. 3 units.
One course in Global Literatures in English with approval of adviser. 3 units.
Electives (five courses 15 units)
Of these electives, one course must be in literature before 1800 (apart from core Shakespeare requirement), and one course must be a designated Senior Seminar.
Total for Concentration: Literature: 24units
Total for Major: 45 units
B.A. in English: Concentration in Linguistics
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.
Lower-division prerequisites/corequisites
Lower-division coursework in literature in English, (prerequisite for or corequisite with ENG 480 GW: Junior Seminar - GWAR.) 6 units
Core requirements (15 units)
One upper-division course in Shakespeare. 3 units.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 420 | Introduction to the Study of Language | 3 |
| ENG 480 GW | Junior Seminar - GWAR | 3 |
Two upper-division survey courses (choose two of the three listed below) 6 units.
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 460 | Literature in English I: Beginnings to Seventeenth Century |
| ENG 461 | Literature in English II: Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries |
| ENG 462 | Literature in English III: Twentieth Century and Beyond |
Total for Core: 15 units
Concentration: Linguistics (24 units)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 421 | Structure of English |
| ENG 422 | History of the English Language |
| ENG 424 | Phonology and Morphology |
| ENG 425 | Language in Context |
Electives
(Four courses chosen with approval of adviser)
Total for major: 45 units
B.A. in English: Concentration in English Education 1
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.
Lower-division
Lower-division coursework in literature in English (prerequisite for or corequisite with ENG 480 GW: Junior Seminar - GWAR.) One of these courses may also satisfy the "Mythology and Oral Traditions" requirement in the English Education Core. 6 units
Core Requirements (12 units)
One upper-division course in Shakespeare. 3 units.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 480 GW | Junior Seminar - GWAR | 3 |
Two upper-division survey courses
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 461 | Literature in English II: Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries | 3 |
| ENG 462 | Literature in English III: Twentieth Century and Beyond | 3 |
Concentration: English Education (23 - 26 units)
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 420 | Introduction to the Study of Language | 3 |
Applied Linguistics (choose one of the three listed below or see an adviser) 3 units.
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 425 | Language in Context |
| ENG 426 | Second Language Acquisition (co-requisite: introductory course in a foreign language) |
| ENG 706 | Seminar in Sociolinguistics of Composition |
World Literature. 3 units.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 655 | Literature and the Adolescent Reader | 3 |
Mythology and Oral Traditions (if not taken as prerequisite above) (choose one of the nine courses below) 0 - 3 units.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CLAS 330 | Ancient Epic Tales | |
| CLAS 360 | Greek and Roman Mythology | |
| CWL 250 | Fables and Tales | |
| CWL 260 | Myths of the World | |
| CWL 421 | Celtic Literature | |
| ENG 636 | Greek and Roman Myth and Modern Literature | |
| AFRS 233 | African Mythology and Black Consciousness | |
| AIS 162 | American Indian Oral Literature | |
| LTNS 435 | Oral History and Traditions | |
| ENG 417 | Academic Literacy and the Urban Adolescent (formerly ENG 678) | 3 |
| ENG 419 | Advanced Composition for Teachers | 3 |
One speech performance class (choose one of the two listed below) 4 units.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 362 | Introduction to Oral Interpretation | |
| COMM 363 | Oral Interpretation of the First Person Voice | |
| ENG 688 | Assessment in English Language Arts (English Education e-portfolio – see below) |
1 |
Emphasis
In addition, candidates must complete one of the following four emphasis areas. 2
Emphasis: Literature (12 units)
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 460 | Literature in English I: Beginnings to Seventeenth Century | 3 |
Senior Seminar. 3 units
One additional upper-division elective. 3 units
Theory Course. 3 units
Total for Major: 53 - 56
Emphasis: Linguistics (12 - 15 units)
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 421 | Structure of English | 3 |
| ENG 422 | History of English Language | 3 |
| ENG 424 | Phonology and Morphology | 3 |
| ENG 425 | Language in Context (if not used to satisfy Applied Linguistics above) | 3 |
One Additional Elective in Linguistics (Chosen with approval of adviser) 3 units.
Total for Major: 53 - 59
Emphasis: Creative Writing (15 units)
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| C W 301 | Fundamentals of Creative Writing | 3 |
| C W 302 | Fundamentals of Creative Reading | 3 |
Craft of Writing (choose one of the three below) 3 units.
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| C W 511 | Craft of Poetry |
| C W 512 | Craft of Fiction |
| C W 513 | Craft of Playwriting |
Upper-Division Creative Writing Electives. 6 units.
Total for Major: 56-59
Emphasis: Drama 3 (19-22 units)
Lower-Division Acting (6 units)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| TH A 130 | Acting Workshop 1 |
| TH A 230 | Acting Workshop 2 |
Stage Production, General and Technical Theatre (4 units)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| TH A 205 | Introduction to Technical Theatre and Design (2) |
and one of the following three courses:
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| TH A 310 | Scenery and Properties Laboratory and Crew (2) |
| TH A 312 | Costuming and Makeup Laboratory and Crew (2) |
| TH A 313 | Lighting and Sound Laboratory and Crew (2) |
Theatre Backgrounds (choose one of the three courses below) 3 units.
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| TH A 401 | Theatre Backgrounds: 500 BC - 1642 |
| TH A 402 | Theatre Backgrounds: 1642 - 1900 |
| TH A 403 | Theatre Backgrounds: 1900 - Present |
Acting and Directing (upper division — one may be used for Speech Performance above, which would reduce the English Education requirements by 1 unit) 6 - 9 units
Total for Major: 59 - 66
Important Notes:
- Admission to the credential program at SF State requires a GPA of 2.75 (B-) or better.
- 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.
- 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.
Lower-division
Lower-division coursework in literature in English (prerequisites for or corequisites with ENG 480 GW: Junior Seminar - GWAR 6 units.
Core requirements (15 units)
One upper-division course in Shakespeare 3 units
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 480 GW | Junior Seminar - GWAR | 3 |
Three upper-division survey courses. 9 units.
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 460 | Literature in English I: Beginnings to Seventeenth Century |
| ENG 461 | Literature in English II: Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries |
| ENG 462 | Literature in English III: Twentieth Century and Beyond |
Total for Core: 15
Concentration: Individual Major (24 units)
Students enrolling in the Individual Major Program will follow a 24-unit course of study worked out in continuous close consultation with an individual program adviser. Each course of study is adapted to the background and interests of the student. The Individual Major is available to students who can define a course of study in a serious and coherent way. Interested students apply with the English Department advising coordinator.
Total for major: 45
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.
Program
Two lower-division courses in Literature. 6 units
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 480 GW | Junior Seminar - GWAR | 3 |
One of the following courses in Linguistics: ENG 420, 421, 422, 425, or 429. 3 units
One upper-division course in Shakespeare: ENG 583 or ENG 584 3 units
Two upper-division courses 6 units
Total for Minor: 21
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.
Program
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 420 | Introduction to the Study of Language | 3 |
| ENG 421 | The Structure of English | 3 |
| ENG 424 | Phonology and Morphology | 3 |
| ENG 425 | Language in Context | 3 |
3 units selected from the following: ENG 422, 426, 429, 651 3 units
Two lower- or upper-division courses in literature 6 units
Total for Minor: 21
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. For more detailed information on obtaining advising, please contact the English Department graduate secretary.
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
Admission to Program
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: a 1-2 page typed statement of purpose detailing why the applicant is interested in the Composition concentration; a recent writing sample (approximate length: between 7 and 10 pages). This writing should be analytic in nature. It may be from a previous course the applicant has taken or it may be writing that the applicant undertook in their professional pursuit beyond the classroom. A statement with the applicant’s signature certifying that the writing sample is their own is also required; one set of official transcripts from all colleges attended; two letters of recommendation that speak to the applicant’s academic potential.
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 linguistics. Courses taken to meet admission requirements for non-English major applicants will not be accepted as part of the ATC.
Students must complete ENG 700 with a grade of B or better in their first 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: Evaluation of the writing sample submitted as part of the application packet. Level Two: Satisfactory completion of ENG 895.
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.
Program
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 700 | Introduction to Composition Theory | 3 |
| ENG 704 | Pedagogical Grammar for Composition | 3 |
| ENG 709 | Seminar in Teaching Integrated Reading and Writing | 3 |
| ENG 710 | Course Design in Composition and Post-Secondary Reading | 3 |
| ENG 890 | Seminar in Research in Composition | 3 |
| ENG 895 | Field Study or Applied Research Project | 3 |
Electives to be taken with the approval of an adviser: 12 units.
Minimum total: 30
Culminating Experience. A field study or research project must be successfully completed by all candidates for the degree. 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: the English Department application; at least two academic letters of recommendation, preferably from a current or former literature professor; one official set of transcripts; a 1-2 page statement of purpose detailing why the applicant is interested in the study of literature; 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.
To be considered for classified admission to the graduate program in Literature, an applicant must have (a) completed an undergraduate degree in English comparable to the undergraduate major program at SF State, and (b) have achieved a grade point average of at least 3.0 in the major. A classified graduate student is ready to take English 741, the seminar which functions as a “portal course’ to further seminar work. Applicants whose undergraduate major was not English or whose GPA in the major falls below 3.0 may be given conditional admission. Applicants given conditional admission may not take seminars in the range 741-790 until they have achieved classified status.
There are three categories of conditional admission:
- With subject matter deficiency: Usually given to applicants with 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 substantial 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: Usually given to applicants with 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 3.3 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: 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: The Graduate Literature Curriculum Committee will evaluate the writing sample submitted as part of the application packet for 1) mechanics and usage of English, 2) coherence and argumentation and 3) understanding of the conventions of writing literary critical arguments. Level Two: MA Thesis will be evaluated using a rubric addressing 1) mechanics and usage of English, 2) coherence and argumentation and 3) understanding of the conventions of literary criticism. Students must score at least satisfactory on all three criteria to pass Level Two writing. Students who do not achieve these standards may revise and resubmit their 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.
Program Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 741 | Theory of Literature | 3 |
| ENG 742-790 | Graduate Seminars | 9 |
Graduate level courses. 6 units.
Electives on advisement. 9 units.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 898 | Master's Thesis | 3 |
and Master's Oral Examination
Minimum total: 30
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, 614*, 616*, 630*, 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, 615, 618, 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
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: a 1-2 page typed statement of purpose detailing why the applicant is interested in the Linguistics concentration; one set of official transcripts from all colleges attended.
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, 422, 424, and 425 (12 units).
- 10 units of a modern European language.
- One semester of a non-Indo-European language.
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 CMS 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: Students will be evaluated for Level One proficiency in writing based on the 500-700 word personal statement that is submitted as part of their application to the MA program. 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.
Group I: Required Core Courses
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 719 | Seminar: Contemporary Semantic Theory | 3 |
| ENG 723 | Seminar in the Structure of English | 3 |
| ENG 725 | Special Topics in Linguistics | 3 |
| ENG 727 | Research Methods in Language Studies | 3 |
| ENG 728** | Seminar in Sociolinguistics | 3 |
Total for Group I: 15
Group II: Related Core Courses (3 units)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| Theoretical and Applied Linguistics | |
| ENG 728** | Seminar in Sociolinguistics |
| ENG 729 | Psycholinguistics |
| ENG 737 | Corpus Linguistics |
| ENG 739 | Advanced Field Methods |
| PHIL 630 or PHIL 830 |
Philosophy of Language Seminar in the Philosophy of Language |
| Quantitative Reasoning and Research Methodology | |
| ANTH 562 | Anthropological Statistics |
| MATH 324 | Probability and Statistics with Computing |
| MATH 338 | Introduction to SAS |
| MATH 490 | Game Theory |
| PSY 371 | Introduction to Psychological Statistics |
| PSY 571 | Statistical Analysis of Psychological Research |
| PSY 771 | Analysis of Variance and Experimental Design |
| PSY 772 | Applications of Multiple Regression to Psychological Research |
Any courses in Group II that are not selected for the Group II requirement may be used as Related Elective Courses with the approval of an adviser.
**ENG 728 may be used as Group II when variant differs from Group I variant.
Related Elective Courses (9 units)
Units to be taken from one or more of the following groups of related courses or other courses approved of by an adviser.
Linguistics
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 426 | Second Language Acquisition |
| ENG 804 | Training Practicum: Linguistics |
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 651 | Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages: Basic Principles |
| ENG 653 | TESOL: Pedagogical Grammar |
| ENG 657 | Grammar and Rhetoric of the Sentence |
| ENG 720 | Seminar in Language, Literature, and Culture: TESOL |
| ENG 722 | Seminar in Language Assessment |
| ENG 724 | Special Topics in TESOL (1-3) |
| ENG 726 | Practicum in TESOL |
| ENG 730 | Introduction to Graduate Study: TESOL |
| ENG 731 | Seminar: TESOL Listening and Speaking Skills |
| ENG 732 | Seminar: TESOL Reading and Writing Skills |
| ENG 735 | Pragmatics and Education |
Communication Studies
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| COMM 664 | Research Methods in Communication and Performance |
| COMM 871 | Communication Research Strategies |
Reading and Writing
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 704 | Pedagogical Grammar for Composition |
| ENG 706 | Seminar in Sociolinguistics and Composition |
Literature
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 782 | Seminar in Chaucer |
One of the following: 3 units.
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 898 or ENG 895 |
Master's Thesis Field Study or Applied Research Project |
and Master's Comprehensive Oral Examination
Minimum total: 30
and Foreign Language Requirement (see below)
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 Linguistics. Students must earn an overall GPA of 3.0 and a B- (or B, whichever you decide) or better in all courses listed in that document.
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 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 (ATC).
Master of Arts in English: Concentration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Admission to Program
Applicants must meet all of the SF State Graduate Division's general admission requirements. Admission to the M.A. TESOL program is based on evaluation of the following:
- The quality of the applicant's previous academic record, which must show completion of a B.A./B.S. degree from an accredited 4-year college with a GPA (grade point average) of no lower than 3.0 (B) in the last 60 units of undergraduate (and post-baccalaureate) study.
- A statement of purpose which indicates why graduate work in SF State's M.A. TESOL program is appropriate for the applicant's current academic interests and future academic and professional goals.
The GRE is not required. Letters of recommendation are also not required but are strongly recommended if the applicant's academic record is not strong.
Contact the graduate secretary in English for the department application and deadlines, or refer to www.sfsu.edu/~matesol for more details about the application process.
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 SF State 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 and who are required to take the TOEFL, who are admitted, and who enroll, must take the CMS 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: The Statement of Purpose submitted as part of the application process will be evaluated for proficiency in written English. 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.
Core Courses (18 units)
The core courses listed below are required of all students graduating from this program.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 653 | TESOL: Pedagogical Grammar | 3 |
| ENG 730 | Introduction to Graduate Study of TESOL | 3 |
| ENG 731 | Seminar: TESOL Listening and Speaking Skills | 3 |
| ENG 732 | Seminar: TESOL Reading and Writing Skills | 3 |
| ENG 733 | Student Teaching in TESOL | 3 |
| ENG 891 | Integrative Seminar in TESOL | 3 |
Group Courses (12 units)
Upper-division/graduate courses selected with adviser's approval from subjects in each of Groups I, II, and III (listed below)
Minimum total: 30
and Master's Comprehensive Examinations or Master's Thesis and Oral Defense (see below)
Group I: Advanced Seminar in TESOL (3 units)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 720 | Seminar in Language, Literature, and Culture: TESOL |
| ENG 722 | Seminar in Language Assessment |
| ENG 724 | Special Topics in TESOL |
| ENG 736 | Teaching ESL in the Community |
| ENG 832 | Seminar in Immigrant Literacies & Community-based Projects |
Group II: Advanced Seminar in Linguistics (3 units)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 719 | Seminar: Contemporary Semantic Theory |
| ENG 723 | Seminar in the Structure of English |
| ENG 725 | Special Topics in Linguistics |
| ENG 727 | Research Methods in Language Studies |
| ENG 728 | Topics in Sociolinguistics |
| ENG 729 | Seminar in Psycholinguistics |
| ENG 737 | Introduction to Corpus Linguistics |
| ENG 738 | Pragmatics and Oral Skills |
Other graduate-level course in Linguistics approved by an adviser
Group III: Related Courses (6 units)
Must be upper division (numbered 300 or above) or graduate level courses relevant to TESOL, language, or teaching, selected with the approval of an adviser.
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
All applicants must submit the following to the English Department:
- a short personal statement which outlines the applicants’ interests in immigrant language and literacy issues
- transcript, (official transcripts from all previous colleges attended; unofficial transcript from current program)
- current vita or résumé;
- names and contact information for TWO references. (provide name, job title or relationship, address, phone number); and
- evidence of completion of the university’s Level I written English proficiency requirement*;
- for non-matriculated students only: documentation of a passing score on the Ananlytical Writing section of the GRE or GMAT; or a 3-4 page academic writing sample (e.g. research paper, grant proposal, publication).
*For matriculated graduate students in TESOL: Evidence of completion of the written English proficiency requirement is determined based on a satisfactory evaluation of the student’s Statement of Purpose, submitted to the department as part of the student’s original application to the MA TESOL program.
*For matriculated graduate students in other departments: Students should check the requirements as stipulated by their program area.
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.
Program
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 832 | Seminar in Immigrant Literacies & Community Based Projects | 3 |
Select one of the following: 3 units.
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 736 | Teaching ESOL in the community |
| ENG 735 | Community-based curriculum development |
Select one of the following: (see note below) 3 units.
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| HED 810 | Public health and community organizing |
| HED 835 | Health policy |
| HED 845 | Training and Educational Process |
| A AS 833 | Seminar: Asian American Family and Identity |
| A AS 875 | Asian American Community Health Issues |
| ETHS 710 | Theories and Concepts in Ethnic Studies |
OR other graduate-level SF State course related to the topic of immigrant literacies and civic engagement (with approval of adviser).
Capstone (3 units)
Special Study, e.g., ENG 899 for MA TESOL students; H ED 899 for Master of Public Health students; ETHS 750: Ethnic Community Practicum for Ethnic Studies students; or equivalent graduate-level community service-learning course (with approval of adviser)
Total: 12
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, 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 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 matriculated in the certificate program 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.
Program
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 700 | Introduction to Composition Theory | 3 |
| ENG 704 | Pedagogical Grammar for Composition | 3 |
| ENG 709 | Seminar in Teaching Integrated Reading and Writing | 3 |
| ENG 710 | Course Design in Composition and Post-Secondary Reading | 3 |
Total for program: 12
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.
Program
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 701 | Theoretical Backgrounds in Community College and College Reading Instruction | 3 |
| ENG 709 | Seminar in Teaching Integrated Reading and Writing | 3 |
| ENG 710 | Course Design in Composition and Post-Secondary Reading | 3 |
| ENG 715 | Pedagogy and Practice in Post-Secondary Reading | 3 |
Total for certificate: 12
