Westfield State College

MASTER OF ARTS IN ENGLISH

FACULTY:

Department Chair:	Glen Brewster, Ph.D.
Department Secretary:	Regina Smialek
Department Office:	Bates 103
Department Telephone:	(413) 572-5330
Graduate Adviser:	Marilyn Sandidge, Ph.D. (Director of the M.A. program)
Graduate Faculty:	Stephen Adams, Ph.D.
	Glen Brewster, Ph.D.
	Lou Caton, Ph.D.
	Vanessa Diana, Ph.D.
	Michael Filas, Ph.D.
	Delia Fisher, Ph.D.
	George Layng, Ph.D.
	Gregg Neikirk, Ph.D.
	Beth Rothermel, Ph.D.
	Marilyn Sandidge, Ph.D.
	Elizabeth Starr, Ph.D.
	H. Edward Stessel, Ph.D.
	Emily Todd, Ph.D.

Students develop knowledge of literature and its history and expand their abilities to think analytically and write effectively through advanced study and research in British, American, and other literatures. The M.A. program in English thus prepares students for advanced graduate studies in English (Ph.D.), for pre-professional studies (law, business, and administration), for teaching careers, and for work in related fields (e.g., communications, public relations, publishing, and human resources).

The M.A. in English Licensure Programs prepare students for careers as teachers at the middle school or secondary levels. Students may earn either Initial Licensure or Professional Licensure through an NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) accredited program.

Candidates may elect the M.A. with Professional Licensure Option, a graduate program designed to allow teachers of English who hold initial licensure to become fully certified according to the educational reforms mandated for Massachusetts by the Board of Education. Candidates for certification complete a program that includes three required courses: ENGL 0539 Advanced Methods of Teaching English, ENGL 0609 Contemporary Issues in English, and ENGL 0626 Seminar in English Education (Capstone Experience).

STEPS TOWARD SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE MASTER OF ARTS IN ENGLISH:

Prerequisites for Admission to the Program:

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
Minimum of 18 hours in English above Composition at the undergraduate level.*
A 3.0 (B) average in all English courses is required, as is a 2.8 overall G.P.A.
Graduate Record Examination or Miller Analogies Test scores should be above the 50th percentile.
A writing sample, preferably a literary essay, is required.

*Students may be required to fulfill undergraduate prerequisites as determined by the Graduate Adviser.

Procedures for Admission to the Program:

Apply for admission to the Westfield State College Graduate Program.
Obtain a Graduate Program of Study form from the Office of Graduate Studies.
Schedule an appointment with the English Department Adviser to complete the Graduate Program of Study form. Secure the signatures of the Adviser, the Department Chair, and the Dean of Graduate Studies after completion of the form. Submit this form within the first semester after you have been accepted in the program.

Requirements for the M.A. in English:

M.A. in ENGLISH (33 s.h.)

ENGL 0608 Theories of Literary Criticism 3 s.h. One 600-level course in American literature 3 s.h. One 600-level course in British literature 3 s.h. Fifteen additional credits at the 600 level 15 s.h. Two additional courses at either the 500 or 600 level 6 s.h. Course Work: 30 credits History of the English Language or The Structure of Modern English must be included in the program for students who have not had one of these courses as an undergraduate. Up to six graduate credits may be taken in a related discipline (such as history). Written permission from the English Graduate Adviser or the English Department Chair must be obtained before taking these credits.
ENGL 0647 Research Folio Capstone Experience 3 s.h. Research Folio is required as a capstone experience in formal writing and research on scholarly topics at the end of the master’s program. Students work independently with a graduate faculty member who advises and supervises the candidate’s preparation of research folio materials. After choosing the area and focus of research, the candidate presents a folio that includes a scholarly essay of publishable quality, a 150-word abstract of the essay, an explanation of the critical approach applied to the text, and an annotated bibliography. Suggested length of the essay is 20 pages or 5,000 words. The faculty supervisor, graduate adviser, and the English Department Chair evaluate the folio. The completed paper is presented in a public forum.
C. Foreign Language: Competence in one foreign language (e.g., French, German, Italian, Spanish) is required. This competence may be determined in one of these ways: 1. Grades of C or better in two semesters of intermediate level undergraduate foreign language study within 10 years. 2. Acceptable performance in a national reading competence examination.

M.A. in ENGLISH with INITIAL LICENSURE 39 s.h.
Prerequisites:
B.A. in English or Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 18 credits in literature courses
(Students may be required to fill undergraduate prerequisites as determined by the graduate advisor)
3.0 (B) average in all English courses is required, as is a 2.8 overall G.P.A.
Graduate Record Examination or Miller Analogies Test scores above the 50th percentile
Passing grade on MTEL Communication and Literacy Test
A course in Adolescent Development
A course in History of the English Language or Structure of the English Language
A grammar class is strongly recommended.

Requirements
EDUC 0540 Students with Special Needs 3 s.h.
EDUC 0552/553/554 Educational Planning and Evaluation 3 s.h.
ENGL 0550 English Methods 3 s.h.
ENGL 0527 Contemporary Cross-Cultural Literature 3 s.h.
ENGL 0583 Teaching Writing 3 s.h.
ENGL 0538 Literature and the Adolescent 3 s.h.

12 additional credits in 600-level Literature Courses 12 s.h.

Students must have passed the MTEL English subject area exam and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in English graduate classes before beginning the practicum. Students seeking licensure for English at the middle school level must also take EDUC 0321 The Middle School and its Students.
Foreign Language Competence: Competence in one foreign language (e.g., French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian) is required. This competence may be demonstrated in one of these ways: 1) Grades of C or better in two semesters of intermediate level undergraduate foreign language study, within 10 years; or 2) acceptable performance in a national reading competence examination.

M.A. in ENGLISH: With option to apply for Professional Licensure* 33 s.h.
Prerequisites: Initial licensure as a teacher of English in Massachusetts or approval of program director.
See additional prerequisites for M.A. candidates listed above. A.

Course Work: 30 s.h.
ENGL 0539 Advanced Methods of Teaching English 3 s.h.
ENGL 0609 Contemporary Issues in English 3 s.h.
ENGL 0608 Theories of Literary Criticism 3 s.h.
One 600-level course in American literature 3 s.h.
One 600-level course in British literature 3 s.h.
Nine additional credits at 600 level 9 s.h.
*Two additional courses at 500 or 600 level 6 s.h.

ENGL 0538 Literature and the Adolescent is strongly advised.

ENGL 0626 Seminar in English Education Capstone Experience 3 s.h. p>Preparation of professional resources and a carefully supervised research project in the reading, interpreting. and teaching of literature, composition, or language arts. Taken after students have completed ENGL 0539 Advanced Methods of Teaching English, the course culminates in a formal presentation before three to five members of the graduate English faculty.
Foreign Language (see description under C above).

*Note #1: This program is designed to meet the professional licensure standards in Massachusetts. Individuals who complete this program may apply for professional licensure directly to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

*Note #2: The program has applied for program approval at the professional level with DESE.

ENGLISH COURSES:

ENGL 0511 THE BRITISH NOVEL 3 s.h.

Reading and discussion of works by major novelists from the 18th century to the

ENGL 0517 SHAKESPEARE: TRAGEDIES AND HISTORIES 3 s.h.

Study of the tragedies and histories of Shakespeare, including some consideration

ENGL 0518 SHAKESPEARE: COMEDIES AND ROMANCES 3 s.h.

Study of the comedies and romances, including some consideration of Shakespeare’s sources, his use of Elizabethan ideas, and his theatre.

ENGL 0523 THE AMERICAN NOVEL 3 s.h.
Prerequisite: 6 s.h.

American Literature Studies At least one major work of fiction of a selected group of American novelists beginning with those of the midnineteenth century and including

ENGL 0527 CONTEMPORARY CROSS-CULTURAL LITERATURES 3 s.h.

A comparative study of contemporary Non-western literature from major regions, such as Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. Works from various genres will be considered in light of their cultural implications as well as their distinctive literary features. Selections from Western literature may also be included for comparison. Students taking the course will be required to complete a research project that

ENGL 0532 ROMANTIC LITERATURE 3 s.h.

ENGL 0538 LITERATURE AND THE ADOLESCENT 3 s.h.

Detailed examination of the teaching of literature in the junior and senior high school, with emphasis on literature written expressly for adolescents. Attention will also be given to related matters: (1) objectives and functions of literature study in the secondary curriculum; (2) a pedagogical approach to major genres; (3) new approaches to literature study; (4) methods of teaching reading.

ENGL 0539 ADVANCED METHODS OF TEACHING ENGLISH 3 s.h.

Students pursuing Professional Licensure are required to take this course that synthesizes theory and practice in teaching literature, writing, and language arts. Students research latest theories and instructional strategies in English, review content material, and implement theoretical paradigms into curriculum design, classroom activities, and lesson plans. Students participate in peer evaluation, video-taping,

ENGL 0547 ADVANCED CRITICAL WRITING 3 s.h.

Designed to develop formal writing ability on scholarly topics. Intensive library research will precede all writings. The goal of the course is to provide students with the research and writing skills necessary in the preparation of papers of publishable quality. Non-English majors will be encouraged to select subjects related to their

ENGL 0548 HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE 3 s.h.

A study of the development of English from its Indo-European origins to the present day, including an historical survey of changes in structure, sounds, and meaning.

ENGL 0549 THE STRUCTURE OF MODERN ENGLISH 3 s.h.

A study of the origin and development of the English language with emphasis on its

ENGL 0550 METHODS OF TEACHING ENGLISH 3 s.h.

Offered at the middle (5-8), secondary (8-12) and Middle and Secondary levels, this course provides preparation for teaching English through the following: study and observation of school structures, procedures and teaching techniques; evaluation and selection of appropriate material for middle and secondary school students; preparation of lesson and unit plans; presentation of lessons; construction of test; and evaluation of student writing. Graduate level readings and projects will accompany the requirements of this course, as will a curricular application project completed at the graduate level. Course requires a thirty hour field placement.

ENGL 0564 AMERICAN DRAMA 3 s.h.

Emphasis on the development of the dramatic form in America. Plays read as evidence of an American dramatic tradition with experimentation one of its characteristics. Plays will also reflect significant developments in culture.

ENGL 0576 MODERN BRITISH AND AMERICAN POETRY 3 s.h.

Reading and discussion of works by the foremost English and American poets from Hardy and Housman to such contemporary writers as Eberhart, Spender and Lowell. Special attention to the experimental forms and the modern thought of the poetry.

ENGL 0583 TEACHING WRITING 3 s.h.

Examines current theory and practice in the teaching of writing. Topics covered include methods for teaching the writing process, curriculum development, issues of diversity, computer pedagogies and grammar instruction. By focusing on a number of key instructional issues, this course will help educators feel more confident in their roles as teachers of writing. The course will begin with an examination of composition and rhetorical theories that inform the teaching of writing today. While the primary focus of the course will be writing pedagogy, students will also have opportunities to study how various theories of rhetoric and composition inform their own writing process. Students will be required to complete a graduate level research project on a current issue in the teaching of writing.

ENGL 0588 SPECIAL TOPICS IN WRITING 3 s.h.

An advanced course in writing based upon a common theme or subject. Focus designated

ENGL 0601 STUDIES IN VICTORIAN LITERATURE 3 s.h.

This course provides in-depth study of works by Victorian essayists, poets, and novelists in response to social, philosophical and cultural issues between 1830

ENGL 0602 SPECIAL STUDIES IN DRAMA 3 s.h.

Intensive study of significant movements and figures in the development of world drama. Emphasis designated each semester by a course subtitle. A Master's candidate may not take ENGL 0602 more than twice for graduate credit.

ENGL 0603 SPECIAL STUDIES IN FICTION 3 s.h.

Intensive study of basic works of pivotal individuals, groups or movements in the development of British, American and diverse fiction. Emphasis designated each semester by a course subtitle. A Master's candidate may not take ENGL 0603 more than twice

ENGL 0605 MEDIEVAL LITERATURE 3 s.h.

In-depth study of selected works such as Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales, and Le Morte D'Arthur from the Old and Middle English periods. Special emphasis may be designated

ENGL 0606 RENAISSANCE AND SEVENTEENTH CENTURY LITERATURE 3 s.h.

Study of l6th and l7th century British literature. Special emphasis on significant works, authors, genres, and/or movements may be designated by a course subtitle. Writers such as Shakespeare, Spenser, Bacon, Donne and Milton will be included.

ENGL 0607 STUDIES IN RESTORATION/l8TH CENTURY LITERATURE 3 s.h.

Study of specific authors such as the Restoration dramatists, Dryden, Swift, Pope, Fielding and Johnson.

ENGL 0608 THEORIES OF LITERARY CRITICISM 3 s.h.

Designed to give graduate students an understanding of the basic assumptions underlying various critical systems and practical experience in the application of critical theories to evaluation of specific literary works. Some consideration of the history of criticism. This course is required of all Master's candidates except those getting

ENGL 0609 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ENGLISH TEACHING 3 s.h.

This course introduces contemporary trends and issues in English instruction in the middle and secondary school. It focuses on several core issues that branch into current theories, research, and methods of teaching English. This course will emphasize the process of critical inquiry and reflection on classroom experiences.

ENGL 0611 SPECIAL STUDIES IN POETRY 3 s.h. Intensive study of significant movements and figures in the development of British, American and diverse poetry. Emphasis designated each semester by a course subtitle. A Master's candidate may not take ENGL 0611 more than twice for graduate credit.

ENGL 06l8 STUDIES IN ROMANTIC LITERATURE 3 s.h.

Extensive reading and discussion of English Romantic writers and of modern critical

Study of the major writers from the middle years of l9th century American literature, with emphasis on two or three representative writers, including Hawthorne, Melville, Emerson, Thoreau, Poe, and Whitman.

ENGL 0622 AMERICAN REALISM 3 s.h.

Literary and cultural analysis of American writing from the post-Civil War period to the turn of the century. Other movements will be studied (frontier interest,

ENGL 0623 STUDIES IN SHAKESPEARE 3 s.h.
Prerequisite: A course in Shakespeare.

Close study of selected plays of Shakespeare with collateral readings in both dramatic and non-dramatic works of his contemporaries. Emphasis designated each semester by a course subtitle will be on such topics as Renaissance genres, intellectual history, stage practice, and world views of the era. A Master's candidate may not

ENGL 0624 METHODS OF LITERARY RESEARCH 3 s.h.

Detailed and systematic exposure to the process of location, evaluation, and organization of findings in literary research. Examination of basic tools: major bibliographies and other specialized reference works; principal serials in several fields of literary study; discussion of location and content of major collections of prime documents. Consideration of problems of editing and of computerized bibliographic searching as a research process.