College of Arts & Humanities
Department of English
230 Armstrong Hall
507-389-2117
Fax: 507-389-5362
English at Minnesota State University offers five graduate programs. Each is designed to meet the needs of a particular audience, so each has its own entrance requirements, curriculum, reading list, comprehensive examination format, and thesis/alternate plan requirements. It is important that prospective students discuss which program best meets their needs with the department chair, the department director of graduate study, or the individual program head.
Graduate Assistantships. Graduate teaching assistantships and research assistantships are available during the academic year to full-time students. Assistants receive about $9,000 over two semesters and full tuition remission for up to 9 credits per semester. For more information, contact the Department of English.
30 Semester Credits with Thesis
34 Semester Credits with Alternate Plan Paper or Portfolio
Contact: Dr. Donald Larsson
The M.A. English: English Studies option offers students the opportunity for broad training in English. This is a generalist degree supported by a department of highly trained specialist in the areas of literature, film, writing and linguistics. The degree is suited for secondary teachers and students who plan to teach at the post-secondary level. This degree may also serve as a basis for careers in the literary marketplace.
At least 30 semester hours in language, literature or related courses, with at least twenty credits in upper-division courses. It is highly recommended that applicants have at least one course in a literary figure and one in an upper-division linguistics course. The GRE is not required as part of admissions material for the program. Candidates whose native language is not English must have a TOEFL score of 550 or above. Application materials should include an application form, two letters of recommendation, and official undergraduate transcripts, sent to the College of Graduate Studies and Research.
Choose 10 - 18 credits from any 500 or 600 level English courses, in consultation with advisor.
Additional requirements
At least 50% of all coursework must be at the 600 level, excluding thesis or APP credits.
30 Semester Credits
Contact: Dr. Donald Larsson
The M.A. English: Literature option equips students with a strong foundation in English, American, World and Multicultural literatures, as well as critical theory. This degree is suited for students interested in literature, film and writing. In addition to providing a foundation for the Ph.D. in English, the degree may serve as a basis for post-secondary teaching.
At least 30 semester hours in language, literature or related courses, with at least twenty credits in upper-division courses. It is highly recommended that applicants have at least one course in a literary figure and one in an upper-division linguistics course. The GRE is not required as part of admissions material for the program. Candidates whose native language is not English must have a TOEFL score of 550 or above. Application materials should include an application form, two letters of recommendation, and official undergraduate transcripts, sent to the College of Graduate Studies and Research.
Chose any 5/600 level English courses, selected in consultation with advisor.
Additional requirements
At least 50% of all coursework must be at the 600 level, excluding thesis or APP credits.
Thesis Plan - 30 credits
Alternate Paper Plan - 34 credits
Contact: Dr. Roland Nord
Students choosing this option will find the degree prepares them to be professional information developers, technical writers, and editors who are skilled at using the written and spoken word, along with visuals, to effectively inform and instruct a wide range of audiences.
At least 18 semester hours in one or more of the following areas: literature, linguistics, speech, or mass communications. All applicants must submit a one-page personal statement (to the Graduate Director, Department of English), describing their background and interests in technical communication. The GRE is not required as part of admissions material for the program. Candidates whose native language is not English must have a TOEFL score of 550 or above. Application materials should include an application form, verification of the baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, two copies of official undergraduate and graduate transcripts, sent to the College of Graduate Studies and Research.
ENG 698 Internship (3-6) and
At least 50% of all coursework must be at 600 level, excluding thesis or APP
credits.
Oral defense (with thesis option)
23 credits
Contact: Dr. Roland Nord
The graduate certificate program prepares participants for careers in technical communication, emphasizing current industry practice in the research, writing, editing, and publishing of (print or online ) technical documents. Required coursework emphasizes the development of student skills in audience analysis, problem solving, and collaboration within the workplace as well as the production of text and graphics for print and online publication. Special topics courses focus on industry practice in standards and documentation, document design, web development, usability testing, international communication, or other topics of importance to technical communicators. Although 500- level courses in the graduate certificate focus on skill development and industry practice, they also explore theory and research supporting industry practice.
Entrance requirements for the graduate certificate in technical communication include a BA or BS degree and English 271 (Technical Communication) or equivalent technical communication experience. The GRE is not required as part of the admissions material for this program. Candidates whose native language is not English must have a TOEFL score of 550 or above.
*may be repeated under various topics; additional credits of ENG 674 or ENG 680 maybe used as electives.
Thesis Plan - 30 credits
Alternate Plan Paper - 34 credits
Contact: Dr. Stephen Stoynoff
Students choosing this option will find the degree appropriate preparation for teaching English as a second/foreign language, program administration, curriculum consulting, and publishing and materials development. It is designed for both native and non-native speakers of English.
To enter the program, students must have an undergraduate major or minor in a relevant field (for example, English, linguistics, or a modern language other than English). Candidates in the TESL track who are native speakers of English must have a minimum of two years of a foreign language at the college level. This language requirement for native speakers may be met in residence, but courses taken to fulfill the language requirement will not count toward the degree. Candidates whose native language is not English must have a TOEFL score of 550. The GRE is not required for this program.
This is an interdisciplinary program with required coursework in both English and Modern Languages. It is also possible to earn certification in teaching English as a second language in grades K-12. For Master's candidates with an undergraduate licensure degree, the MA in TESL includes most of the courses needed for TESL certification. See the Department of Modern Languages for details.
Choose 3 courses from the following:
Alternate Plan Paper: Completed as part of ENG 627
At least 50% of all coursework must be taken at the 600 level, excluding thesis or APP credits. An oral presentation of the thesis will normally be required as well.
The graduate certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language prepares participants for careers in teaching English as a second or foreign language to adult learners in U.S. and international contexts, including in two- and four-year institutions, government and non-government organizations, and private enterprises. Coursework develops students' knowledge of how language operates with primary emphasis on the English language and the skills required to teach it effectively to adult second language learners.
Six additional graduate courses from the Department of English should be selected in consultation and with the approval of members of the student's program committee. Students will find the following courses relevant to a career in TESL.
Additional Requirements
At least 50% of all coursework must be completed at the 600 level.
(Thesis Plan - 48 credits)
Contact: Richard Robbins, MFA
The MFA program in Creative Writing meets the needs of students who want to strike a balance between the development of individual creative talent and the close study of literature and language. Candidates in the program will find it appropriate training for careers in freelance writing, college-level teaching, editing and publishing, arts administration, and several other areas.
Application Deadline: Applications will be read beginning February 1 and continuing until program is full. Applicants must submit a writing portfolio (10 pages of poetry or 20 pages of prose) and a 1-2 page personal statement directly to the Department of English, Creative Writing Program. To enter the program without deficiency, candidates must have the equivalent of at least a minor in English (18 semester credits in language, literature, linguistics). Students who enter with a small number of deficiencies may be allowed to make them up within their graduate program. Candidates whose native language is not English must have a TOEFL score of 550 or above. The GRE is not required for this program.
(Courses are repeatable with new content)
(Other courses acceptable with consent of advisor)
In consultation with an advisor, select 0-11 credits of courses in categories (such as literature) not listed above.
All courses must be in English with the exception of those specifically approved by the Graduate Committee in English; 75% of all coursework must be taken at the 600 level. Students must take a two-part written examination based on a reading list. Students also are required to present a reading/oral defense as part of their thesis project, a book-length collection of writing in the student's chosen genre.
ENG 503 (2-4) Selected Authors
Content changes. May be repeated.
ENG 516 (4) Film Theory & Criticism
Trends in film theory and criticism. Practice in critical analysis.
ENG 525 (2-4) Topics in Children's Literature
Topics in genres such as fantasy and historical fiction and thematic topics such as survival or journeys. May be repeated with different subject matter.
ENG 526 (2-4) Selected Periods
Selected periods of literary study.
ENG 532 (2-4) Selected Studies: Novel
Content changes. May be repeated.
ENG 533 (4) Selected Studies in World Literature
Topics on themes, issues, and developments in genres of the literatures of the world. Content changes. May be repeated.
ENG 535 (2-4) The World Novel
A study of selected novels from a variety of time periods and cultures, including Eastern and Western Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
ENG 536 (2-4) Native American Literature
This course surveys the earliest Native American literary works, from oral tradition and songs to contemporary works and authors, with a particular emphasis on tribal and cultural contexts that identify these works as Native American.
ENG 538 (2-4) African American Literature
This course surveys the earliest African American literary works, including slave narratives, poetry, folklore, and oration, through the 20th century movements such as the Jazz Age, Harlem Renaissance, and the Black Arts movements of the 1960s, to contemporary works and authors.
ENG 542 (4) Advanced Prose/Non-Fiction Writing
Advanced workshop in writing personal essays and literary journalism.
Prerequisite: writing course or consent of instructor
ENG 543 (4) Advanced Fiction Writing
An advanced course in writing short stories and novels.
Prerequisite: writing course or consent of instructor
ENG 544 (4) Advanced Poetry Writing
An advanced course in writing poems.
Prerequisite: writing course or consent of instructor
ENG 545 (4) Advanced Critical Writing
An advanced course in writing critical essays.
Prerequisite: writing course or consent of instructor
ENG 546 (4) Screenwriting
Introduction to writing for the screen
Prerequisite: writing course or consent of instructor
ENG 549 (2-4) Topics in Creative Writing Form and Technique
Topics in Creative Writing Form and Technique will be a variable-title course
that explores special topics relating to the technical mastery of one or more
creative genres, or the technical achievement of one or more practitioners.
May be repeated with different topics.
ENG 563 (4) Adolescent Literature
A survey of literature for students in grades 5 - 12, fiction and nonfiction, and methods of teaching this literature.
ENG 564 (3) Teaching Literature in Middle School
Survey of books suitable for the Middle School classroom, covering a variety of topics and genres.
ENG 565 (1-4) World Literature for Children and Young Adults
Selected works of literature for students in grades 5-12 from a variety of countries and cultures.
ENG 568 (4) Document Design and Usability
Covers approaches to the design, development, and testing of (print and online)
technical documents, focusing on feedback-driven design and usability testing.
ENG 569 (4) Project Management in Technical Communication
This course is designed to introduce students to technical project management. This introduction is achieved through participation in a simulated project management experience. Assignments include standard documentation associated with project management and reflective writing.
ENG 571 (4) Visual Technical Communication
Analysis and training focused on concepts and practices of visual design as they relate to technical and professional communication.
ENG 572 (1-4) Topics in Technical Communication
Topics in theory and practice of technical communication. Hands-on course which implements the theories discussed. May be repeated with different subject matter.
ENG 573 (4) Desktop Publishing
Overview of publishing and typography, conventions of desktop publishing, and hardware and software application tools for desktop publishing. Students need not have prior experience with DTP, but some word processing and microcomputer experience will be helpful. Course will meet in both PC and Macintosh labs.
ENG 574 (4) Research and Writing Technical Reports
Practice in writing various types of reports for a variety of purposes and
audiences. Includes study of primary and secondary research methods.
Prerequisite: ENG 271 or equivalent
ENG 575 (4) Editing Technical Publications
Editing the content, organization, format, style, and mechanics of documents; managing the production cycle of documents, and discovering and learning microcomputer and software applications for technical editing tasks.
ENG 576 (4) Online Documentation
Introduction to the conventions and strategies for publishing on-line documentation and for managing on-line documentation projects. Topics include analyzing users and tasks, designing and writing documents to be published on-line, testing on-line documents, and managing on-line documentation projects.
ENG 577 (4) Technical Documentation, Policies, & Procedures
Creating both on-line and hard copy documentation for products, with emphasis on computer software and hardware documentation. Attention also to policies and procedures as written for a range of uses (e.g., employee handbooks and manufacturing processes) and to usability testing.
ENG 581 (3) History of English Language
The development of English from its origins as a dialect of Proto-Indo-European to its current form, with consideration of its social history as well as its formal development.
ENG 582 (4) English Structure and Pedagogical Grammar I
The English sound system and English sentence structure studied for the purpose of discovering how they can be taught to students of English as a second or foreign language.
ENG 583 (4) English Structure and Pedagogical Grammar II
The English sound system and English sentence structure, and content-based language instruction.
ENG 585 (3) Language and Culture in TESL
A consideration of the cultural issues encountered by teachers of English as a second or foreign language in the U.S. and abroad.
ENG 592 (2-4) Selected Topics
Topics in literary study. May be repeated with change of topic.
ENG 594 (1-6) English Workshop
Specialized workshops in topics such as computer-assisted writing, teaching the writing of poetry in the secondary school, or discipline-specific writing.
ENG 595 (1-4) Special Studies
Specialized, in-depth study of topics such as Holocaust literature, environmental literature, or regional literature. May be repeated with different subject matter.
ENG 603 (3) Sem: Selected Authors
Studies in selected authors in British, American, Multicultural, or World Literature. May be repeated with different subject matter.
ENG 605 (3) Sem: Shakespeare
Study of works of Shakespeare, including comedies, histories, tragedies, tragicomedies, and some shorter poetic works, including sonnets.
ENG 606 (3) British Literary History and Criticism
The course focuses on the major writers, genres and periods in British literature with an emphasis on historical and critical trends in order to provide an analytical framework that will support subsequent work. Must be taken during the student's first year in the program.
ENG 607 (3) American Literary History and Criticism
This course is designed to give first-year graduate students a foundation in American literary history and criticism. The course focuses on the major writers, genres and periods in American literature with an emphasis on historical and critical trends in order to provide an analytical framework that will support subsequent work. Must be taken during the student's first year in the program.
ENG 608 (3) Sem: British Literature to 1800
Studies in topics/periods in British Literature to 1800. Emphasizes close readings of primary works, analysis of pertinent secondary works, detailed class discussion, and analytical writing. May be repeated with different subject matter.
ENG 609 (3) Sem: British Literature after 1800
Studies in topics/periods in British Literature after 1800. Emphasizes close readings of primary works, analyzing pertinent secondary works, detailed class discussion, and analytical writing. May be repeated with different subject matter.
ENG 610 (3) Sem: American Literature to 1865
Analysis of topics/periods in American Literature before 1865. Emphasizes close reading of primary works, analysis of pertinent secondary works, detailed class discussion, and analytical writing. May be repeated with different subject matter.
ENG 611 (3) Sem: American Literature after 1865
Analysis of topics/periods in modern and contemporary American Literature, i.e. fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. Emphasizes close reading of primary works, analysis of pertinent secondary works, detailed class discussion, and analytical writing. May be repeated with different subject matter.
ENG 612 (3) Sem: Gender in Literature
Study of selected works by women writers up through the twentieth century with attention to their works within cultural contexts. May be repeated with different subject matter.
ENG 618 (3) Seminar: Multicultural American Literature
Studies in selected authors, topics, or periods of American multicultural literatures, particularly those of Native American, African American, Chicano/Latino American, and Asian American groups. Emphasizes close readings of primary works, analyzing secondary sources, and analytical writing. May be repeated with different subject matter.
ENG 621 (1-2) Introductory Workshop for Teaching Assistants
Introductory workshop in composition pedagogy for first-year teaching assistants.
ENG 622 (1-2) Workshop for Teaching Assistants
Continued workshop in composition pedagogy for first-year teaching assistants.
ENG 623 (3) Language & Teaching of English
Study of language issues for teachers of English. Intended for those teaching in "mainstream" classrooms populated by a majority of native speakers of English as well as those teaching English as a second or foreign language.
ENG 625 (3) Seminar: Composition Theory
Introduction to the major theories of the nature of composition and their pedagogical application.
ENG 626 (3) Bibliography & Research in TESL
Introduction to the types and principles of research in teaching English as a second or foreign language.
ENG 627 (3) Research Seminar in TESL
Provides students with an opportunity to be immersed in the research process and to select, organize, analyze, synthesize and present research. Supports students' development of theses and alternate plan papers.
ENG 629 (3) Second Language Literacy Development
Study of literacy from a socioliterate perspective. Intended to promote acquisition of multiple literacies.
ENG 630 (2-3) Studies in Language & Literature
Topics in a broad range of English studies. May be repeated with different subject matter.
ENG 631 (3) Language Planning/Policy
Study of governmental efforts to influence or regulate language use, viewed from a world-wide perspective.
ENG 632 (3) Bilingualsm/2nd Language Contact
Study of the social environments where more than one language is spoken and the effects upon individuals of living in such environments.
ENG 633 (3) Second Language Acquisition
Study of how languages other than one's mother tongue are learned.
ENG 634 (3) Topics in TESL
Topics in the area of teaching English as a second language. May be repeated with a different subject matter.
ENG 635 (3) Sem: World Literature
Studies in selected national literature or in topics/periods of world literature. May be repeated with different subject matter.
ENG 640 (3) Form and Technique in Prose
Study of the technical underpinnings of fiction and non-fiction.
ENG 641 (3) Form and Technique in Poetry
Study of the technical underpinnings of poetry.
ENG 642 (3) Sem: Prose Non-Fiction Writing
Workshop in writing personal essays and literary journalism.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor
ENG 643 (3) Sem: Fiction Writing
Workshop in fiction writing.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor
ENG 644 (3) Seminar: Poetry Writing
Workshop in poetry writing.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor
ENG 645 (3) Multi-genre Creative Writing Workshop
This course is a creative writing workshop for English or non-English graduate students who are not currently admitted to the MFA program.
ENG 646 (3) Contemporary Prose
Study and analysis of selected works in fiction and nonfiction since 1945.
ENG 647 (3) Contemporary Poetry
Study and analysis of poetry since 1945.
ENG 649 (1-3) Topics in Creative Writing
Topics relating to creative writing. May be repeated with different subject matter.
ENG 651 (3) Bibliography & Research
Cornerstone course of MA English Literature: Literature and MA English: English Studies options, covering research and critical writing strategies for master's level and professional work in the field. Enables students to develop a concrete focus for the thesis (Literature and English Studies) or alternate plan paper proposal (English Studies).
ENG 661 (2-3) Topics in Children's & Young Adult Literature
Topics of interest to the teacher or professional working in the field of children's and young adult literature. May be repeated with different subject matter.
ENG 662 (2-3) Topics in English Education
Topics such as writing assessment, teaching poetry, and teaching writing in the secondary schools. May be repeated with different subject matter.
ENG 670 (1-3) Independent Writing
Individualized study in writing. (Creative writing majors may take up to 3 credits total.)
ENG 671 (3) Seminar: Literary Theory and Criticism
Advanced study of theories of literature and its production and use.
ENG 672 (3) Research & Publication in Creative Writing
Exploration of the business of creative writing and the tools for writing and research in the field.
ENG 673 (3) Research & Theory Technical Communications
Seminar for students engaged in conducting a major research project in the technical communication field. Emphasizes theoretical approaches to research, development and implementation of the individual research project, and presentation and publication opportunities in professional writing.
ENG 674 (1-3) Topics in Technical Communication
Topics relating to rhetorical theory in the workplace, including examination of how workplace cultures shape writing assumptions and approaches. May be repeated with different subject matter.
ENG 677 (1-4) Individual Study
Focused study on a topic not covered in regularly scheduled courses.
ENG 678 (3) Technical & Scientific Prose
Analysis of fiction and literary nonfiction that treats technical and scientific themes.
ENG 679 (3) Rhetorical Theory Applied to Technical Documents
Rhetorical theory applied to technical documents, including an examination of how workplace cultures shape writing assumptions and approaches.
ENG 680 (3) Proposals
Theory and practice in the development and production of proposals, focusing on the researching, writing, and management of proposals by technical communicators.
ENG 682 (3) English Grammar and Discourse
Advanced study of English syntax.
ENG 684 (3) Sociolinguistics
Study of the interaction of language use and social structures.
ENG 685 (3) Materials for TESL
Location and assessment of commercial materials and creation and publication of original materials to support instruction in English as a second or foreign language.
ENG 686 (3) Second Language Testing
Introduction to language tests and the assessment of various language abilities.
ENG 687 (3) Theory & Practice Translation
Literary and non-literary translation.
ENG 688 (1-4) Portfolio
This course will involve the preparation of a portfolio in consultation with the instructor.
ENG 689 (1-4) Studies English Linguistics
Studies in theoretical and applied linguistics. May be repeated with different subject matter.
ENG 691 (1-3) Colloquium
Advanced studies in language, literature, film, or theory. Permission required.
ENG 694 (1-2) Alternate Plan Paper
Independent capstone experience, focusing on secondary research sources; paper may have other guidelines specific to the program option.
ENG 698 (1-6) Internship
On-site field experience, the nature of which is determined by the specific needs of the student's program option.
ENG 699 (1-4) Thesis
Independent capstone experience, guidelines of which are determined by the requirements of a particular program option.
