English, M.A.
Student Learning Outcomes
Department Goal 1: Read and think critically
Program Objective 1: Learn to read literature in its historical context; identify characteristic styles and subject matter of different periods.
Program Objective 2: Learn to read through a variety of critical lenses.
Program Objective 3: Be able to carry out close readings of literary texts.
Department Goal 2: Understand how language operates
Program Objective 1: Be able to identify and demonstrate knowledge of literary terminology.
Department Goal 3: Express ideas–both orally and in writing–correctly, cogently, persuasively, and in conformity with the conventions of the discipline
Program Objective 1: Identify, write, and edit for currently accepted conventions of standard English mechanics, grammar, and style (including proper punctuation, subject-verb and noun-pronoun agreement, parallel construction, appropriate tense sequences and moods, etc.).
Program Objective 2: Learn and follow the conventions of literary argumentation, including formulating thesis statement, and conventions of quoting and citing textual evidence.
Program Objective 3: Learn how to rethink and revise essays.
Department Goal 4: conduct research
Program Objective 1: Learn to develop viable research questions and identify appropriate sources.
Program Objective 2: Learn to use library resources, including collections, databases, and archives.
Program Objective 3: Learn how to summarize and cite both primary and secondary sources in support of the argument.
Program Objective 4: Learn appropriate scholarly conventions, such as MLA Style or Chicago Manual of Style.
Program Objective 5: Learn how to avoid plagiarism by citing sources properly.
