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University Catalog

ENGLISH

College of Arts and Letters

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The English department of California State University, Sacramento, is a community of teachers, scholars, writers, and support staff whose primary mission is to promote learning in composition, creative writing, English education, linguistics, literature, and the teaching of English as a second language. The department seeks to help students acquire knowledge, develop skills, and realize their own intellectual and creative goals.

At the undergraduate and graduate levels, the English Department presents a broad and balanced curriculum designed to develop the reading and writing skills, the interpretative abilities, and the cultural awareness of its students by maintaining and enhancing a tradition of strong teaching, solid scholarship, and vigorous support of creative literary activity.

Concentrations

  • MA: Literature / Creative Writing / Composition / Teaching English as a Second or Other Language (TESOL)

Special Features

  • A Course Description Booklet giving detailed descriptions of courses to be offered in the next semester, together with statements of requirements for the major and minor and for the graduate program, will be available on the English Department Web site a month or so before registration materials are issued. All students are assigned an English faculty advisor; students are encouraged to consult with them in planning schedules. English majors and minors are urged to examine their career goals early in their program and to discuss their plans with English Department faculty advisors.

  • Qualified upper division and graduate students may apply for paid assistantships or associateships in the English Department. Student Assistants and Graduate Assistants usually work from 10 to 20 hours per week at such tasks as tutoring and clerical assistance. Teaching Associates normally teach one section of composition each semester for up to three semesters. Information is available on the English Department website.

  • Internships are available for academic credit and career training governmental agencies, businesses, community colleges, and other institutions and organizations.

  • English majors are encouraged to spend a semester or year of study in other countries, particularly Britain. See the brochure entitled Overseas Study for English Majors.

  • Students interested in the various aspects of publication are encouraged to become involved in the student-produced Calaveras Station Literary Journal, a professional-quality journal of student work published annually. Submissions, solicited in fall semester, are open to all Sacramento State students.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

English majors must achieve a grade of "C-" or better in all courses included in the major, unless otherwise specified.

With the noted exception of ENGL 5, English courses may NOT be challenged.

Requirements - Bachelor of Arts Degree

Units required for Major: 45, 27-30 of which must be upper division
Minimum total units required for the BA: 120

Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

A. Required Lower Division Courses (9 units)

Select three of the following:

 

ENGL 40A

Introduction to British Literature I

 

ENGL 40B

Introduction to British Literature II

 

ENGL 50A

Introduction to American Literature I

 

ENGL 50B

Introduction to American Literature II

 

ENGL 65 Introduction to World Literatures in English

Note: Students must take at least one British Literature survey (ENGL 40A, ENGL 40B), and at least one American Literature survey (ENGL 50A, ENGL 50B). We recommend that lower division requirements be completed no later than the first semester in which the student begins taking required upper division courses.

B. Required Upper Division Courses (6 units)

(3)

ENGL 120A

Advanced Composition (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 70+, or at least a C- in ENGL 109M/W)

(3)

ENGL 198T*

Senior Seminar in English (ENGL 120A and a minimum of 90 units)

*Students are required to complete a course in their senior year, selecting from courses specially designated as Senior Seminars. The seminar has a reduced class size and requires a term paper, student presentations and submission of the student's work.

C. Additional Requirements

Historical Breadth requirement
Students must take one of the following classes to satisfy this requirement (unless they have already taken ENGL 40A or ENGL 50A as one of the required Lower Division courses):

ENGL 40A, ENGL 50A, ENGL 110B, ENGL 140B, ENGL 140C, ENGL 140E, ENGL 140F, ENGL 140G, ENGL 140R, ENGL 141A, ENGL 141B, ENGL 145A, ENGL 145B, ENGL 145C, ENGL 145I, ENGL 150A

D. Electives (27-30 units)

A minimum of 27 additional units must be taken, of which at least 18 units must be upper division.

Students who have satisfied the historical breadth requirement by taking ENGL 40A or ENGL 50A as one of their three required lower division courses will take 30 units of electives, of which at least 21 must be upper division.

Notes:

  • Students must complete 18 units of English, of which at least 15 must be in upper division (100-level) courses, in residence at California State University, Sacramento.
  • The following courses may not be included toward the major: ENGL 1, ENGL 5, ENGL 1C, ENGL 1X, ENGL 5M, ENGL 10, ENGL 10M, ENGL 11, ENGL 11M, ENGL 20, ENGL 20M, ENGL 60, ENGL 60M, ENGL 86, ENGL 87, ENGL 109M, ENGL 109W, ENGL 109X.
  • Up to 6 units of an ENGL 195 or ENGL 199 may be included in the 27 upper division units. Three units in an upper division literature class from another major may also be included.
  • English majors must achieve a grade of "C-" or better in all courses included in the major, unless otherwise specified.
  • With the noted exception of ENGL 5, English courses may NOT be challenged.
  • English majors must fulfill the GE Writing Intensive "supervenient requirement" with courses in the major, only.

Requirements - Minor

Units required for Minor: 21, all to be taken in English. At least 12 units must be in upper division (100-level) courses. ENGL 1, ENG 5, ENGL 1C, ENGL 5M, ENGL 20, ENGL 109M, and ENGL 109W may not be counted toward the minor. Grades of "C-" or better are required in all courses in the minor. Nine of the units for the minor, including at least 6 upper division units, must be taken in residence at Sacramento State. Specific requirements:

(3)

ENGL 40A

Introduction to British Literature I

(3)

ENGL 50A

Introduction to American Literature I

(3)

ENGL 145B

Shakespeare - Early Plays, 1592-1600 OR

ENGL 145C

Shakespeare - Later Plays, 1600-1612

Requirements- Creative Writing Minor

Units required for Minor: 18 (6 required; 12 elective), all of which must be taken in English through the Creative Writing Program. At least nine units must be in upper division (130-level) courses. ENGL 1, ENGL 5, ENGL 1C, ENGL 5M, ENGL 20, ENGL 109M, ENGL 109W, and ENGL 120A may not be counted toward the minor. Grades of "C-" or better are required in all courses in the minor. Nine of the units for the minor, including at least 6 upper division units, must be taken in residence at Sacramento State. Specific requirements:

(3)

ENGL 30A

Introduction to Creative Writing

(3)

ENGL 30B

Introduction to Writing Fiction OR

ENGL 30C

Introduction to Poetry Writing

Requirements - Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL) Minor

Units required for minor: 18. Six courses are required and must be taken at Sacramento State.

(3)

ENGL 110A

Linguistics and the English Language

(3)

ENGL 110P

Second Language Learning and Teaching

(3)

ENGL 110Q

English Grammar for ESL Teachers

(3)

ENGL 125E

Academic Reading and Writing for Second Language Students

(3)

ENGL 125F

Teaching Oral Skills

(3)

Elective course to be chosen from the English 110 series

Note: Courses being applied to other degree programs (e.g., to Spanish majors) cannot also be applied to the TESOL Minor. See the TESOL Coordinator for prior approval of substitute courses.

Students choosing to major in English may NOT minor in TESOL.

Requirements - Single Subject Matter Program (Pre-Credential Preparation)

Units required: 48

Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

The English Single Subject Matter Program is a version of the major designed for students planning to teach English at the secondary school level.

Both new and continuing students in this major need to establish a file with the English Education Advisor and to see the advisor at least once per semester to keep their file current.

A. Required Literature Courses (36 units)

(3)

COMS 104

Persuasive Public Speaking (COMS 2, COMS 4, or instructor permission)

(3)

ENGL 40B

Introduction to British Literature II

(3)

ENGL 50A

Introduction to American Literature I

(3)

ENGL 50B

Introduction to American Literature II

(3)

ENGL 65

Introduction to World Literatures in English

(3)

ENGL 110A

Linguistics and the English Language

(3)

ENGL 110J*

Traditional Grammar and Standard Usage OR

 

ENGL 110Q

English Grammar for ESL Teachers OR

 

ENGL 16 

Structure of English (ENGL 5 or equivalent)

(3)

ENGL 110P

Second Language Learning and Teaching

(3)

ENGL 120A

Advanced Composition (ENGL 20 or ENGL 120A; GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 70+, or at least a C- in ENGL 109M/W)

(3)

ENGL 125B

Writing and the Young Writer (ENGL 20 or 120A; and ENGL 110J, ENGL 110Q or ENGL 16)

(3)

ENGL 145B

Shakespeare - Early Plays, 1592-1600 OR

ENGL 145C

Shakespeare - Later Plays, 1600-1612

(3)

ENGL 198T

Senior Seminar in English (ENGL 120A and a minimum of 90 units)

B. Required Core Language Courses (12 units)

(3)

ENGL 125A

Literature and Film for Adolescents (ENGL 20 or ENGL 120A)

(9)

English electives

* Students who pass the Traditional Grammar Exam will take one 3-unit English elective course in lieu of ENGL 110J, ENGL 110Q, ENGL 16.

Notes:

  • Students must achieve a grade of "B-" or above in the required Core Language courses, with an average of "B" or above for all six courses. A grade of "C-" or above is required in all other courses in the program. If the Traditional Grammar Exam is chosen in lieu of ENGL 110J, it must be passed with a score of at least 80 percent (a "B-" equivalent).
  • Students must also satisfy a school-site observation requirement as part of the Subject Matter Program. See the English Education Advisor for details.
  • To be eligible for the three-semester Teacher Preparation Program, students must have completed all but 12 units in the major. To be eligible for the two-semester Phase Program, students must have completed all but 3 units in the major.
  • An English/Humanities subject matter program and an English/Theatre subject matter program are now in effect. Interested students should see an advisor in Humanities and Religious Studies or Theatre, as well as the English Education Advisor.

Requirements - Certificate - Teaching Composition

Units required for the certificate: 18*
Candidates must have an overall GPA of 3.0 in courses submitted for the certificate.

*Employment as a Teaching Associate in the English Department at Sacramento State may be substituted for ENGL 410E, reducing total number of coursework units to 15.

Information on Eligibility

Applicants for the Certificate Program in Teaching Composition must have completed all requirements for eligibility for any English graduate program.

A. Required Courses (12 units)

(3)

ENGL 195A

Writing Center Theory and Practice: Internships OR

ENGL 410A

Internship: Tutoring English

(3)

ENGL 220A

Teaching College Composition

(3)

ENGL 220C

Topics in Composition Studies (ENGL 220A)

(3)

ENGL 410E

Internship in Teaching Writing (ENGL 220A) OR

Teaching Associateship in English at Sacramento State

B. Electives

Select two of the following (6 units):

 

ENGL 110J

Traditional Grammar and Standard Usage

 

ENGL 110Q

English Grammar for ESL Teachers

ENGL 120 series exclusive of ENGL 120A

 

ENGL 125B

Writing and the Young Writer (ENGL 20 or 120A; and ENGL 110J, ENGL 110Q or ENGL 16)

ENGL 125E

Academic Reading and Writing for Second Language Students

ENGL 215A

Reading/Vocabulary Acquisition

ENGL 215B

ESL Writing/Composition

ENGL 215C

Pedagogical Grammar for TESOL

ENGL 220 series in addition to ENGL 220A and ENGL 220C

ENGL/EDTE 225C

Theoretical Issues in Adult Literacies

ENGL 410B

Internship - ESL Tutoring

ENGL 410L

Internship in Teaching Adult Reading

Requirements - Certificate - Advanced Study in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

This TESOL certificate program has two options:

  • Option A: This option is intended for undergraduates who want preparation for teaching ESL students (in the U.S. or abroad).
  • Option B: This option is intended primarily for graduate students who want to pursue an MA in English or another field, but also want to be prepared to teach ESL writing at the college level.

Courses must be completed with grades of "B" or better; ENGL 110A and ENGL 110P must be completed before any ENGL 215 course; and ENGL 110Q must be completed before attempting ENGL 215C.

Information on Eligibility

Students must either be in a degree program at Sacramento State or must apply for graduate admission to the University. Once admitted to Sacramento State, prospective TESOL Certificate students must apply to the TESOL Coordinator for admission to the program.

Undergraduates must be within 45 units of completing a bachelor's degree (in any field) with a 3.0 overall GPA.

Graduate students must have a completed bachelor's degree (in any field) with a 3.0 overall GPA.

All applicants must complete the University's Writing Placement for Juniors (WPJ) requirement.

International students must have a TOEFL score of 600 or higher (or a score of 250 or higher on the computerized TOEFL) and a score of 5 on the Test of Written English.

TESOL Certificate Program: Undergraduate

This option is intended for undergraduates who want preparation for teaching ESL students (in the U.S. or abroad).

A. Required Courses (9 units)

(3)

ENGL 110A

Linguistics and the English Language

(3)

ENGL 110P

Second Language Learning and Teaching

(3)

ENGL 110Q

English Grammar for ESL Teachers

B. Pedagogy Electives (6 units)

(6) Select two of the following:

ENGL 110C

Technology in Second Language Teaching

ENGL 125E

Academic Reading and Writing for Second Language Students

ENGL 125F

Teaching Oral Skills

Notes: The Certificate in TESOL is not a teaching credential. It is recognized abroad as advanced training in language teaching. In conjunction with a BA or MA degree or a state teaching credential, it may also be helpful in obtaining employment as an ESL teacher in the United States.

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Master of Arts Degree

The English Department offers an M.A. with three distinct concentrations:

  • Composition,
  • Creative writing,
  • and Literature

In general, the M.A. degree in each of its concentrations seeks to enhance students' skills in: critical reading; analysis of language, ideas, and the formal attributes of texts; creative engagement with the writing traditions of its three disciplinary fields; and independent research.

The three concentrations of the English M.A. offer preparation for students who aspire: to teach writing or literary study in high-school or community-college settings; to teach English to adult learners and to students abroad; to pursue career opportunities in fields such as journalism, publishing, law, technical and creative writing, advertising, arts administration, or civil service; or to pursue study at the doctoral level.

Because many graduate students work during the day, most graduate courses are scheduled for late afternoon and evening hours.

Note: In addition, the Department offers a MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). A full description appears below.

Admission Requirements

Admission as a classified graduate student in English requires:

For: All Applicants to the Composition Concentration, Creative Writing Concentration, and Literature Concentration

  • a baccalaureate degree;
  • a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 units of all university level coursework or a 3.0 GPA in courses in the English major on the transcript from the degree granting institution;
  • a minimum of 27 units of upper division courses in English;
  • (for foreign students from non-English speaking countries) a TOEFL score of 600 or higher (or a score of 250 or higher on the Computerized TOEFL) and a score of 5 on the Test of Written English; and

For: Applicants to the Literature Concentration and Creative Writing Concentration Only

In addition to the general requirements above, students applying to the concentration in creative writing must have completed undergraduate coursework that includes at least five courses in literature of at least three units each. Of these five literature courses:

  • At least one course must primarily address British literature and at least one course must primarily address American literature;
  • At least three of these five literature courses must be upper division.

Application Materials Required by the English Department for All Applicants:

In addition to the materials that must be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies as outlined in "Application Materials Required by the University" (below), students must also send to the English M.A. Graduate Coordinator in the English Department additional material by the application deadline.

Before submitting the materials, please check with the English Department website (http//www.csus.edu/engl/) for updates and specific deadlines.

Please have the following material delivered to the English Department directly and addressed to the English M.A. Coordinator:

  • Personal statement of no more than 300-500 words. The personal statement should discuss the applicant's interest in the program concentration (literature, composition, or creative writing) that he or she has chosen and the experiences (academic and non-academic) that have shaped this interest and prepared the applicant for graduate work in this field.
  • Three confidentially submitted recommendation forms (found on the department website) for all students (both California State University, Sacramento and other institutions). Students graduating from universities other than California State University, Sacramento, must also provide formal letters from their three recommenders in addition to the completed recommendation forms.
  • Writing sample for Creative Writing applicants only (for prose or fiction, the writing sample should be no more than 15 pages; for poetry, the writing sample should consist of approximately 5 or 6 poems).
  • Students graduating from any institution other than California State University, Sacramento, must send directly to the English Department an official copy of all transcripts from each institution of higher education that they have attended.
  • Students who have attended California State University, Sacramento, must send directly to the English Department official transcripts from institutions of higher education they have attended other than California State University, Sacramento.
  • A completed copy of the Department of English Supplemental Application found on the English Department website.

The Graduate Coordinator will screen all applicants according to these requirements and a ranking system devised by the department. Applicants who have deficiencies in these admission requirements which can be removed by specified additional preparation will be ranked accordingly but may be admitted with conditionally classified graduate status. Any deficiencies will be noted on a written response from the Graduate Coordinator to the student's admission application.

Note: Please see the section below, Teaching English to speakers of Other Languages (TESOL Concentration), for special requirements for admission to the TESOL M.A. program.

Application Materials Required by the University

In addition to any materials sent directly to the department, all prospective graduate students including California State University, Sacramento, graduates, must file the following with the Office of Graduate Studies, River Front Center 206, (916) 278-6470:

  • an online application for admission;
  • two sets of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, other than California State University, Sacramento; and
  • TOEFL scores, if applicable.

Note: For materials that must be sent directly to the English Graduate Program Coordinator in the English Department, see "Application Materials Required by the English Department" as listed above.

Applicants are accepted as long as room for new students exists or until the deadline passes. Applicants should file as early as possible.

For more admissions information and application deadlines, please visit http://csus.edu/gradstudies/.

Advancement to Candidacy for Students in the English M.A. Program (All Concentrations)

Each student must file an application for Advancement to Candidacy, indicating a proposed program of graduate study. This procedure should begin as soon as the classified graduate student has:

  • removed any deficiencies in admission requirements;
  • completed at least 12 units of English 200-level courses in the Master's Degree program with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0; and
  • taken the Writing Placement for Graduate Students (WPG) or taken a Graduate Writing Intensive (GWI) course in their discipline within the first two semesters of coursework at California State University, Sacramento or secured approval for a WPG waiver.

Advancement to Candidacy forms are available in the Office of Graduate Studies. The student fills out the form after planning a degree program in consultation with an English faculty advisor. The completed form is then returned to the Office of Graduate Studies for approval.

Requirements - Master of Arts Degree - General (All Concentrations)

Units required for MA: 30, at least 18 of which must be taken in ENGL 200-level courses (ENGL 299, any ENGL 410 course and ENGL 500 do not count as part of this 18-unit requirement); up to 6 units of ENGL 299 may apply only as elective units. Minimum required GPA: 3.0

Note: No units with a grade lower than "C" may apply towards the degree.

Specific Requirements for:

  • Literature Concentration,
  • Creative Writing Concentration, and
  • Composition Concentration

All students follow the requirements of one of the Concentrations as described below:

Literature Concentration

Requirements - Master of Arts Degree (Plan A/Thesis or Plan C/Comprehensive Exam)

The M.A. Concentration in Literature is recommended for students preparing to teach at the community college level, for those whose objective is to pursue a Ph.D. in literature, or for high school teachers seeking to advance their understanding of literature and literary theory.

The culminating requirement for the Literature Concentration shall normally be the Comprehensive Examination, for which the student will prepare by taking ENGL 500.

Students who have earned a 3.7 GPA or better in 21 units in their graduate program may elect to complete Plan A requirements by writing a thesis, provided they have two faculty willing to read and direct the thesis.

A. Required Courses (9 units)

(3)

ENGL 200A

Methods and Materials of Literary Research

(3)

ENGL 240

British Literature

(3)

ENGL 250 series course

American Literature Or

(3)

ENGL 280 series course

Minority Literature

B. Electives (18 units)

English elective courses, of which 9 units must be ENGL 200-level literature courses and 9 units may be ENGL 100-level or ENGL 400-level courses.

C. Culminating Requirement (3 units)

(3)

ENGL 500

Culminating Experience (Advanced to candidacy and permission of the graduate coordinator)

Composition Concentration

Requirements - Master of Arts Degree (Plan B/Project)

The MA emphasis in Composition is recommended for students preparing to teach writing at the community college level, for those whose objective is to pursue a Ph.D. in composition, or for high school teachers seeking to update their knowledge of composition theory and practice. The course of study leads to an M.A. thesis in composition in which the student undertakes original research in composition under the supervision of a two-person faculty committee.

A. Required Courses (12 units)

(3)

ENGL 220A

Teaching College Composition

(3)

ENGL 220C

Topics in Composition Studies (ENGL 220A)

(3)

ENGL 220D

Teaching and Composition Research

(3)

ENGL 195A

Writing Center Theory and Practice: Internships OR

ENGL 410A

Writing Center Theory and Practice: Internships

B. Other Course Requirements (15 units)

English Elective units, of which 9 units must be ENGL 200-level courses and 6 units may be ENGL 100-level or ENGL 400-level courses.

C. Culminating Requirement (3 units)

(3)

ENGL 500

Culminating Experience - Project (Advanced to candidacy and permission of the graduate coordinator)


Creative Writing Concentration

Requirements - Master of Arts Degree (Plan C/Exam)

The M.A. emphasis in Creative Writing is recommended for students preparing to teach at the community college level, for those students whose objective is to pursue an M.F.A. or Ph.D. in creative writing, and writers seeking to advance their understanding of creative writing practice and theory.

A. Required Courses (12 units)

(3)

ENGL 200A

Methods and Materials of Literary Research

(3)

ENGL 230X

Master Class in Writing Fiction (ENGL 130A or ENGL 130M or ENGL 130N or ENGL 230A, or instructor permission) OR

ENGL 230Y

Master Class in Writing Poetry (ENGL 130B or ENGL 230B, or instructor permission)

(3)

ENGL 240

British Literature

(3)

ENGL 250 series course

American Literature Or

(3)

ENGL 280 series course

Minority Literature

B. Electives (15 units)

English elective units of ENGL 100-level and ENGL 200-level courses which must include a minimum of 9 additional units in creative writing courses and a minimum of 6 units in literature courses. At least 6 units in this category must be ENGL 200-level courses.)

C. Culminating Requirement (3 units)

(3)

ENGL 500

Culminating Experience - Exam (Advanced to candidacy and permission of the graduate coordinator)

Master of Arts - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

The MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) requires extensive study of linguistics and pedagogy, as well as actual teaching and/or tutoring experience with second-language students. The culminating experience of the MA TESOL Concentration is the comprehensive examination.

The MA TESOL provides professional preparation and training in the theory and practice of teaching English to non-native speakers. The program is designed for graduate students who expect to teach in community college or secondary or adult education settings in the U.S. or in adult or university level courses overseas. The program is also preparation for the Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics.

Admission Requirements

To ensure that students entering the program have the potential to succeed, both in the program and in their teaching careers, the MA TESOL has the following admission requirements:

  • a baccalaureate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, including a 3.0 GPA in the final 60 units;
  • international students must achieve minimum scores on the TOEFL as follows: 600 on the traditional TOEFL, with a score of 5 on the Test of Written English (TWE) OR 250 or higher on the computerized TOEFL, with a score of 5 on the Test of Written English OR 100 or higher on the TOEFL, with a minimum of 24 on the writing section;
  • completion of prerequisite courses (or their equivalents*) with a grade of "B" or better:
ENGL 110A Linguistics and the English Language

ENGL 110Q English Grammar for ESL Teaching


  • Students should complete all prerequisites before enrolling in a graduate-level (200 and above) courses. A student who has not completed all prerequisites may be dropped by the instructor from a graduate-level course; and
  • Preference will be given to those students who have completed 2 semesters of college-level foreign language (6 units).

* Students should see the TESOL Coordinator for a transcript evaluation if they have completed equivalent coursework. Under no circumstances will any coursework more than seven years old be accepted for transfer.

Admission Procedures

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Enrollment is limited, so applicants should file as early as possible in the semester prior to intended admittance. Students not meeting all requirements may be conditionally accepted as long as space is available in the program. Applicants must complete a university application by the posted application deadline date for the term applying. For more admissions information and application deadlines, please visit http://www.csus.edu/gradstudies/. Before applying, students should make an appointment to set up an advising file with the TESOL Advisor.

Advancement to Candidacy

Each student must file an application for Advancement to Candidacy indicating a proposed program of graduate study. The procedure should begin as soon as the classified graduate student has:

  • removed any deficiencies in admission requirements;
  • a plan of study that has been filled out with the help of the TESOL Advisor;
  • completed at least 12 units of 200-level courses in the Master's Degree program with a "B" or better in each course; and
  • taken the Writing Placement for Graduate Students (WPG) or taken a Graduate Writing Intensive (GWI) course in their discipline within the first two semesters of coursework at California State University, Sacramento or secured approval for a WPG waiver.

Advancement to Candidacy forms are available in the Office of Graduate Studies, River Front Center 206, (916) 278-6470. The completed form is then returned to the Office of Graduate Studies for approval.

Requirements - Master of Arts - TESOL

The MA TESOL requires 33 units of post-baccalaureate coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Up to 3 units of ENGL 299 may apply to the degree. The prerequisites of ENGL 110A, and ENGL 110Q must be completed before 200-level courses are attempted.

A. Required Courses (27 units)

(3)

ENGL 200D

Materials and Methods of TESOL Research

(3)

ENGL 410B

Internship-ESL Teaching

(3)

ENGL 200E

Curriculum and Assessment Design for Language Classrooms

(3)

ENGL 210B

Sociolinguistics and TESOL

(3)

ENGL 210G

Second Language Acquisition (ENGL 200D)

(3)

ENGL 215A

Reading/Vocabulary Acquisition

(3)

ENGL 215B

ESL Writing/Composition

(3)

ENGL 215C

Pedagogical Grammar for TESOL

(3)

ENGL 215D

Pedagogy of Spoken English

B. Electives (3 units)

Select one of the following:

ENGL 210C

Technology in Second Language Teaching

 

ENGL 220A

Teaching College Composition

 

ENGL 220C

Topics in Composition Studies (ENGL 220A)

 

ENGL 410A

Writing Center Theory and Practice: Internships

 

ENGL 410E

Internship in Teaching Writing (ENGL 220A) OR

 

ENGL 410L

Internship in Teaching Adult Reading

Note: An upper division or graduate course not on this list may be substituted with the prior permission of the graduate coordinator.

C. Culminating Requirement (3 units)

 

ENGL 598T

Culminating Experience - TESOL

Students must complete a thesis, project, or TESOL comprehensive examination. The thesis and project options require permission of the graduate coordinator. Only students with an earned GPA of 3.7 or higher will be given permission to do a thesis or project.

Notes: The MA in TESOL includes the Certificate of Advanced Study in TESOL. Credential candidates may apply for Supplemental Authorization in ESL through the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Candidates for the Adult Education Credential in ESL may apply through their local County Office of Education. An extensive job file for employment in the U.S. and overseas is maintained in the TESOL Program Office, Calaveras Hall 138.

Requirements - Certificate - TESOL

A. Required Courses (15 units)

(3)

ENGL 110A

Linguistics and the English Language

(3)

ENGL 110P

Second Language Learning and Teaching

(3)

ENGL 110Q

English Grammar for ESL Teachers

(3)

ENGL 215B

ESL Writing/Composition

(3)

ENGL 410B

Internship - ESL Tutoring

B. Elective (3 units)

Select one of the following:

ENGL 200E

Curriculum and Assessment Design for Language Classrooms

ENGL 210C

Technology in Second Language Teaching

ENGL 215A

Reading/Vocabulary Acquisition

ENGL 215C

Pedagogical Grammar for TESOL

ENGL 220A

Teaching College Composition

ENGL 220C

Topics in Composition Studies (ENGL 220A)

Note:  Because of the budget constraints, undergraduates and unclassified graduate students can be admitted to TESOL graduate courses on a space available basis only.

Additional Information

  • Optional Support Field: With permission of the Graduate Coordinator, up to 6 of the 30 units required for the MA in English may be taken in fields closely related to English.
  • Important Notice: The University requires that all graduate students admitted in Fall 1980 or later pass the Writing Placement for Graduate Students (WPG).

Career Possibilities

Advertising Person · Arts Program Administrator · Business Administrator · Civil Servant · Columnist/Journalist · Contract Specialist · Creative Writer · Drama/Film Critic · Editor/Evaluator · Educator · Film/TV Scriptwriter · Information Specialist · Interpreter · Lawyer · Legislative Assistant · Methods Analyst · Program Developer · Public Relations Person · Researcher · Technical Writer · Writing Consultant

Faculty

Brad Buchanan, John Clark, Angela Clark-Oates, Jonas Cope, Susan Fanetti, Jason Gieger, Hogan Hayes, Julian Heather, Amy Heckathorn, Reiko Komiyama, Hellen Lee, Joshua McKinney, Doug Rice, Chauncey Ridley, Mi-Suk Seo, Nancy Sweet, David Toise, Susan Wanlass, Julie Yen, Kim Zarins

Contact Information

David Toise, Department Chair
Aaron Eichenberger, Administrative Support Coordinator
Calaveras Hall 103
(916) 278-6586
www.csus.edu/engl



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