Literacy Studies - Master's Degree Programme

Transcription

1 Literacy Studies - Master's Degree Programme Credits: 120 credits Level: Master's degree (2 years) Offered by: Faculty of Arts and Education, Department of Cultural Studies and Languages Grade name: Master in Literacy Studies Full-time/Part-time: Full-time Duration: 4 semesters Language of instruction: English Introduction The Masters programme in Literacy Studies is a two-year postgraduate programme that includes a 60-credit taught component and a 60-credit Masters thesis. It is offered both as an independent Masters programme and as an integrated part of the 5-year lektorprogram at UiS. The programme may also be taken part time over a period of four years. Full and part-time students attend the same classes. The area of the programme is Literacy Studies, defined as the study of reading, writing and the written text in a social and cultural context. The programme focusses on Literacy Studies within an English-speaking context, and includes literary, linguistic and educational approaches; it is equivalent to a Master`s programme in English from the point of view of teaching and research competence. At Stavanger, it builds upon the Bachelor`s level in English (or on the first three years of the lektorprogram with English as the main subject) and feeds into the PhD programme in Literacy Studies. The programme recognises the central role played by literacy in our society. The written language is a key factor in social organisation and cultural development, and the medium of a wide range of communication technologies. It is often claimed that the central role of reading and texts is one of the most important characteristics of modern societies. A good understanding of the various aspects of literacy, both contemporary and historical, is therefore essential for a full understanding of how this society works, and forms a key asset for the efficient participation therein. As the programme is open for international students, and all students are expected to reach a high level of competence in oral and written English, all teaching and supervision takes place in English. page 1

2 M-LITERA - Literacy Studies - Master's Degree Programme Learning outcome Knowledge: The student will gain: An overview of the main approaches and research areas within the field of Literacy Studies A good understanding of the major theories and issues within a range of research areas within Literacy Studies, with focus on the English-speaking world and including both historical and current perspectives A sound theoretical and methodological basis for academic research within Literacy Studies, focussing on a selected direction of study (linguistic, literary, historical or didactic) Detailed knowledge of the particular field of research within which the student chooses to write her/his thesis An understanding of basic research ethics and issues of copyright An understanding of the critical use of sources and of the conventions of writing an academic thesis A good knowledge of the conventions of academic English Skills: By the end of the course, the student will be able to: Apply their knowledge to independent research work Place their work within a broader research context within Literacy Studies Account for the theories and methods current within their field of research and explain their own choice of theoretical framework and methodology Find relevant sources and organize information and data in appropriate ways Use sources critically and present a sound line of argument General competence: page 2

3 By the end of the course, the student will be able to: Discuss sensibly any aspect of Literacy Studies and apply their knowledge to current debates and social/educational issues as well as to school teaching Use spoken and written academic English fluently and correctly Communicate clearly and efficiently both in writing and through oral presentations Work on texts constructively through the giving and receiving of critical feedback Admission Requirements The programme normally builds upon a first degree such as the bachelor degree or equivalent, which must include at least 80 ECTS (studiepoeng) English, 30 of which at higher level. Application deadline The 15th of April for Norwegian applicants. The 30th of November for non-eu applicants. The 1st of March for EU applicants Questions about the programme: [email protected] Questions about admission: Tord Fanti Paulsen: [email protected] Tlf Admission information Students with a different educational background may qualify for admission if they fulfil the general conditions for admission to a Master`s programme and their educational profile may be considered to provide them with a competence equivalent to that gained from a Bachelor with an English specialisation. However, their choice of elective modules may be restricted. In addition, the course admits exchange students for parts of the taught course in accordance with signed agreements. All students must be able to document proficiency in English. Curriculum The programme brings together two main groups of students: students (Norwegian and international) who take the programme as an independent Masters programme and Norwegian students who are enrolled on the five-year lektorprogram. In the first year, the former group page 3

4 M-LITERA - Literacy Studies - Master's Degree Programme take three taught modules per semester, while the latter take two. All the modules offered are available for both groups of students. The autumn modules represent three general study directions (literary, linguistic and applied). Together, they provide an introduction to Literacy Studies, upon which the remainder of the programme builds. The students taking the programme as an independent Masters programme take all three modules, while those on the lektorprogram choose two. The autumn modules are evaluated through written or oral examinations at the end of the semester. In the spring, the students are divided into smaller groups according to their interests and their plans for the thesis. They may choose three (or in case of the lektor students, two) modules, following one of the three thematic strands (literary, linguistic or applied). It is also possible to combine modules from different strands. Particular combinations will be recommended to the students, and each student will be assigned a contact person with whom to discuss the choice of modules. The spring modules are taught in small groups and are usually evaluated through a supervised paper, although some modules may have other forms of evaluation. In the second year of the Masters programme, the students will produce a 60-credit thesis. During the year, the student receives supervision and attends a thesis writing seminar; attendance at both is compulsory. After submitting the thesis, the candidate will give a test lecture. The grade is awarded on the basis of the thesis but may be adjusted on the basis of the lecture. Theses may be submitted twice a year (May and November). Education plan Master in Literacy Studies, (Start Autumn 2014) Year 1 Year 2 Code Course SP Master in Literacy Studies - Compulsory courses MLI305 Authors, Texts and Readers 15 MLI315 English Writing: Function, Form and Change 15 MLI335 First and Second Language Literacy Development 15 MLI345 Reading Verbal and Visual Signs 15 MLIMAS Dissertation and oral exam 60 Master in Literacy Studies (Start Autumn 2013) Year 2 Code Course SP 3 4 Master in Literacy Studies - Compulsory courses page 4

5 Year 2 Code Course SP 3 4 MLIMAS Dissertation and oral exam 60 Qualifications and job opportunities The programme is highly suitable both for those who wish to have a general humanities degree with a broad applicability for different careers, and for those who aim at a career within either secondary or higher education. In terms of teaching competence, the programme is equivalent to a Master`s programme in English. It is also relevant for various careers both within the private and public sectors, including careers within the media, cultural administration and the book trade. The programme qualifies for further studies at PhD level, provided that the student attains the required marks. At Stavanger, the most appropriate programme is the PhD programme in Literacy Studies (lesevitenskap). Study Abroad We have ERASMUS exchange agreements with the Department of English, French and German Philology, University of Malaga, Spain and with the School of English, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland. Exchanges should take place in the spring semester of the first year. Contact information Faculty of Arts and Education Stavanger University 4036 Stavanger, Norway Tel Master's study coordinator Lene K. Hoff: [email protected] Tel page 5