Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Graduate Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Modern Languages (M.A.)


The graduate program in Modern Languages  offers the M.A. degree in French, German, and Spanish, with two optional areas of emphasis: literature and language acquisition.

Literature


The graduate program in modern languages offers the M.A. in Literature in French, German, and Spanish.

The program is designed to help the student attain a high level of proficiency in all aspects of the chosen language; how to read, analyze, interpret, and discuss in an intelligent manner a wide selection of works in the chosen language; and to synthesize the material read into an accurate and coherent picture of the literary and cultural developments of the chosen language-speaking area. Selected classes are available in the afternoon or evening and during the summer. This degree is recommended for those students who wish to teach at the secondary level or to continue graduate work elsewhere with the intention of teaching at the secondary or university level, or for students who prefer to develop their skills in language and literature in preparation for other careers.

Requirements


In the literature option students may choose to complete the degree with a minimum of 24 hours of graduate courses and a thesis (typically 60-80 pages in length), they also have the option of completing 28 hours of graduate courses and writing a report (instead of a thesis), or they may complete a minimum of 30 hours of graduate course work including such evidence of scholarly effort as term papers.

Language Acquisition


The program is designed to meet the needs of practicing and potential secondary school teachers. It is intended to enhance language skills, cultural awareness, and general humanistic development; encourage new patterns and techniques of teacher preparation and teacher/student interaction in the classroom; narrow the traditional gap in graduate study between teaching methodology and the content areas of literature and culture; facilitate the professional certification of prospective teachers; and encourage professional development and communication in the field. Emphasis is given to the integration of linguistic, cultural, literary, and methodological concepts that may have direct application in the classroom. Selected courses are available in the late afternoon or evening via the Internet (Skype), thus making it possible for a practicing teacher to participate in class discussions. Summer credits are also offered through on-campus offerings.

In the language acquisition option, students complete the degree with a minimum of 24 hours of graduate course work (as outlined in the special list of classes for this degree) and a thesis that applies the integration of cultural, literary, and methodological components to the language classroom.

Requirements


Pedagogy (9-12 hours)


Foreign Language and Culture (6 hours)


Select the appropriate courses for the respective language emphasis.

Language and Literature (9 hours)


  • Literature: Two (2) 700-level literature courses (one Spanish Literature, and one Latin American Literature course)

Select the appropriate course for the respective language emphasis.

Electives (3-6 hours, with the approval of your program committee)


May be selected from existing courses in language, culture and literature, depending on the needs of the individual participant, or courses in related areas such as anthropology, art history, English, history, linguistics, political science, and psychology. (See sample list of approved courses below).

Master’s Thesis (6 hours)


1. Integrated teaching unit, with theoretical framework (language+culture+literature)
2. Pedagogical approach or method
3. Literature or literature/culture

NOTE: The thesis is required for the Second Language Acquisition M.A. degree. Normally this involves six (6) credit hours, thus completing the 30-hour requirement. In certain instances it may be possible for a candidate to take an additional course, thus reducing the thesis hours respectively. Candidates will need to take advantage of being on campus during the summer to carry out research in Hale Library, but may also use their own students as a “laboratory” of experimental techniques.