Overview
The MA in Teaching English as a Second Language/ Applied Linguistics is a two-year advanced degree covering teaching methods and research in English language teaching
Requirements
The program of study (POS) consists of four types of requirements:
language requirement must be met through one of the following ways:
- completion of the equivalent of one year of college-level study of a second language within the past five years, with a grade of B or higher
- completion of the equivalent of one year of college-level study in a single language with a grade of B or higher, concurrent with working toward the degre
- proficiency in a single language by means of an approved examination at a level equivalent to one year of college level study
- clear evidence of a bilingual background
- Nonnative Speakers of English must pass the English Placement Test (as a graduate student) unless the student is exempt (see http://apling.public.iastate.edu/ept.html).
prerequisites representing basics that all students should have before or early in their degree program (knowledge of linguistics, English grammar, and computer applications in the field);
required courses that teach the knowledge and skills that are fundamental to all work in TESL/applied linguistics; and
electives that can be chosen from a particular area of specialization to strengthen students understanding of one area (computer-assisted language learning, English for specific purposes, language assessment, literacy, or literature).
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Areas of Specialization
The computer-assisted language learning (CALL) specialization prepares students to work as the CALL specialist in an ESL/EFL program, selecting and coordinating software resources, constructing computer-based language learning activities, and conducting staff development workshops on CALL.
The language assessment specialization prepares students to work as a test developer for a testing company or an assessment specialist for a language program.
The English for specific purposes (ESP) specialization prepares students to work in both academic and workplace settings where instruction needs to focus on a particular type (or register) of English. Students in this area would acquire the skills to assess context-specific language needs and to develop appropriate materials for learning and assessment.
The literacy specialization emphasizes the study of written language skills to teach in the public schools, community colleges, or abroad. A student following this program can also complete requirements for ESL certification for the state of Iowa and specialize in the teaching of reading and writing skills. This specialization also gives students the option of taking advantage of opportunities for working in composition theory and practice and literary studies in the Department of English. Opportunities for studying the application of reading theory to elementary or secondary public schools can be found in the Dept. of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Human Sciences.
The literature specialization allows students with a background in English to strengthen the depth of their knowledge of literature as it relates to the teaching of ESL, thus preparing them to teach ESL through literature.
In addition to particular job-related advantages, the specializations provide a strong foundation for students wishing to continue for a Ph.D. By providing an in-depth foundation in one area beyond the basics of TESL/applied linguistics including an M.A. thesis, the specializations prepare students to pursue their interests in teaching and research.
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Curriculum for TESL/Applied Linguistics
(30 credits minimum)
PREREQUISITES
CORE REQUIREMENTS = 18 CREDITS
Linguistic Analysis and Interpretation
- English 514: Sociolinguistics
- English 537: Grammatical Analysis
Applied Aspects of Second Langauge Acquisition
English 512: Second Language Acquisition
English 518: TESL Methods and Materials
English 519: Second Language Assessment
English 588: Practicum in Teaching ESL or English 500 Proseminar: Teaching English Composition
ELECTIVE AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION = 9 CREDITS
(Students who do not count 511 or 510 towards their degree need to select another relevent elective chosen with the advice of the program of study committee; double specialization requires a minimum of 18 credits)
Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL)
- an appropriate course in instructional technology
- English/Linguistics 526: Computer-Assisted Language Learning
- Other relevant elective
Language Assessment
- English 527: Discourse Analysis
- English 513: Language Assessment Practicum
- Other relevant elective
English for Specific Purposes (ESP)
- English 527: Discourse Analysis
- English 528: English for Specific Purposes
- Other relevant elective
Literacy
- English/Linguistics 524: Literacy: Issues and Methods for Nonnative Speakers of English
- Two courses taken with prior approval from the student's advisor/ major professor
Suggested courses for the Literacy specialization inside the English Department include:
- English 503: Theory and Researchin Composition
- English/Linguistics 525: Methods in Teaching Listening and Speaking Skills to Nonnative Speakers of English
- Any relevant graduate literature courses
Suggested courses for the Literacy specialization outside the English Department include
- Curriculum and Instruction 554: Reading and Responding to Children's Literature
- Curriculum and Instruction 533: Educational Psychology
- Any courses with a significant component relevant to research in and/or pedagogy in literacy
Literature in ESL
- Three electives chosen from extensive offerings in literature
Open Option
(no declared area of specialization)
- Three appropriate electives approved by the POS committee
INDEPENDENT RESEARCH= 3 CREDITS (only 3 credits count towards the degree)
- English 699: Thesis or English 599: Creative Component on topic related to area of specialization
Application Information
M.A. applicants must have completed a Bachelor's degree, or
its equivalent, prior to their first semester in the program.
Minimum TOEFL scores for M.A. applicants: 100 (IBT)/ 250 (CBT)/
600 (PBT)
Application Deadline: January 5 (summer and fall entry)
Find more information about applying to the graduate programs in the English Department
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