Portland-State-University 2014-2015 Bulletin

World Language M.A.

The M.A. in World Language is a graduate degree with a major in French, German, Japanese, or Spanish language and literature. It is available with a thesis and a non-thesis option. The thesis option is generally recommended for students who intend eventually to obtain a doctorate. The non-thesis option is often appropriate for those who intend to use their M.A. coursework as direct preparation for secondary-school language teaching or another career. Students should consult with their adviser to determine the best option.

A candidate for the Master of Arts in a World Language must complete a minimum of 45 graduate credits, of which 30 must be taken in residence after admission to the degree program. The 45 credits are to be distributed as follows:

Requirements

Thesis option

WLL 560Principles of Scholarly Research

4

WLL 598Methods of Teaching Foreign Languages

4

WLL 503Thesis

6-9

Additional adviser-approved coursework

20-23

Two of the following (in a chosen language):

551Poetry

4

552Drama

4

553Prose

4

Total Credit Hours:45

Non-thesis option

WLL 560Principles of Scholarly Research

4

WLL 598Methods of Teaching Foreign Languages

4

 

501Research

6-9

Or

other adviser-approved credits

6-9

  

Additional adviser-approved coursework

20-23

Two of the following (in a chosen language):

551Poetry

4

552Drama

4

553Prose

4

Total Credit Hours:45

Note: The student’s program may include, with adviser’s approval, a maximum of 12 credits in 501 and/or 505 and a maximum of 9 credits in 508 and/or 509 combined. See Credit Distribution and Limitations for Master’s Degrees

In addition to the required coursework, the candidate will have to:

  • Thesis option: Submit a thesis, written in either the foreign language or in English, and pass a final examination in accordance with University requirements.
  • Non-thesis option: Submit two research papers in different adviser-approved subject areas, written either in the foreign language or in English, and pass a final written and oral examination.