Overview
The Master of Arts in English Programme promotes excellence in English Language pedagogy and professional communication. The Programme is especially suited for those who are interested in English language education (e.g. TESOL Facilitators, Language and Literature and/or Language and Literacy Teachers, CAPE Communication Studies Teachers, and Teachers of the Use of English courses at colleges and universities) and those who are interested in the use of English in technical and professional careers such as Editing, Technical Writing and Professional Communication Training.
Programme participants develop detailed content knowledge along with the ability to creatively apply that knowledge in various fields. Further, the Programme supports the development of skills for research, pedagogy and/or andragogy. Guided by the Constructivist view of teaching and learning, the MA in English Programme emphasizes the relevance of English to the individual and to society and it fosters the development of problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Graduates of the Programme will be highly motivated to serve as revolutionary agents for the teaching of English and the use of English for professional communication.
Programme Objectives
The Master of Arts in English programme seeks to:
- Provide participants with a sound understanding of the social, political and ideological factors that influence how English is used worldwide.
- Provide participants with a sound understanding of the major features of English phonology, morpho-syntax and discourse and their relationship to literacy and literature, TESOL or the technical and professional use of English.
- Enable participants to develop their English language skills through experience and research.
- Influence the development of graduates for leadership in the promulgation of English language education and technical and professional communication in English.
- Foster the development of research in English language education and professional communication in English
Duration
The Programme is completed in 18 months over six (6) consecutive semesters.
Credit Load
Participants complete 36 credits for the award of the degree. There are twelve three credit courses and two zero credit courses.
Mode of Delivery
The programme is delivered fully online. Online delivery is both synchronous and asynchronous. Classes are conveniently scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays.
Entry Requirements
In order to pursue the Master of Arts in English, candidates must satisfy the School’s requirements for normal matriculation:
- A First Degree
(Note: A first degree in Language and/or Literature, Language and/or Literacy, Linguistics, Language and Communication or Mass Communication would be an asset)
- A GPA of at least 3.0 from an accredited institution
Prerequisites
- Essentials of Communication II
- Argumentative Discourse II
- Foundational Literacy 1
- Foundations of Prose Fiction
- Foundations of Poetry
- Foundations of Drama
Specializations & Courses
The Programme contains three (3) specializations. They are:
- Language, Literacy and Literature Studies
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- Technical and Professional Communication in English
Language, Literacy and Literature Studies Specialization
Year 1 Semester 1
- Graduate Morphology and Syntax (0 credits)
- Advanced Academic English Language Skills (3 credits)
Year 1 Semester 2
- Graduate Phonetics and Phonology (0 credits)
- English Language and Society (3 credits)
Year 1 Semester 3
- Extrapolating the Grammar of English (3 credits)
- World Englishes (3 credits)
- The Content of Secondary and Tertiary English (3 credits)
Year 2 Semester 1
- Literary Genres for Graduate Studies: Drama, Prose, Poetry, Autobiography (3 Credits)
- Advanced Physiology and Psychology of Literacy Acquisition (3 credits)
- Pronunciation, Spelling and Pedagogy in English (3 credits)
Year 2 Semester 2
- Post-Colonial Literature: African, Caribbean and Diaspora (3 credits)
- Literature Methods and Literacy Methods (3 credits)
Year 2 Semester 3
- Assessment of Literacy Performance (3 credits)
- Theory and Approaches for the Teaching of English (3 credits)
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Specialization
Year 1 Semester 1
- Graduate Morphology and Syntax (0 credits)
- Advanced Academic English Language Skills (3 credits)
Year 1 Semester 2
- Graduate Phonetics and Phonology (0 credits)
- English Language and Society (3 credits)
Year 1 Semester 3
- Extrapolating the Grammar of English (3 credits)
- World Englishes (3 credits)
- The Content of Secondary and Tertiary English (3 credits)
Year 2 Semester 1
- Teaching English as a Second Language: Theories and Principles (3 credits)
- Advanced Physiology and Psychology of Literacy Acquisition (3 credits)
- Pronunciation, Spelling and Pedagogy in English (3 credits)
Year 2 Semester 2
- Applied Linguistics for ESL Teachers (3 credits)
- Cultural Adaptation and the English Language Classroom (3 credits)
Year 2 Semester 3
- Assessment of Literacy Performance (3 credits)
- TESL: Methods and Practicum (3 credits)
Technical and Professional Communication in English Specialization
Year 1 Semester 1
- Graduate Morphology and Syntax (0 credits)
- Advanced Academic English Language Skills (3 credits)
Year 1 Semester 2
- Graduate Phonetics and Phonology (0 credits)
- English Language and Society (3 credits)
Year 1 Semester 3
- Extrapolating the Grammar of English (3 credits)
- World Englishes (3 credits)
- English in the Digital Environment (3 credits)
Year 2 Semester 1
- Professional and Technical Writing in English (3 credits)
- Managing the Editing, Copy Editing and Publication Process (3 credits)
- Pronunciation, Spelling and Pedagogy in English (3 credits)
Year 2 Semester 2
- Ethical Issues in Professional Communication (3 credits)
- Contextual Language Communication (3 credits)
Year 2 Semester 3
- English Language and Graphic Design (3 credits)
- Teaching and Training in Professional Communication (3 credits)