Master of Arts Degree in English: Concentration in Composition
Due to budget problems in the State of California, the California State University system, including San Francisco State University, will not be accepting applications to graduate degree programs for spring 2010. Check http://www.sfsu.edu/~gradstdy/program-deadline.htm for fall 2010 degree program deadlines. The fall 2010 application period begins October 1, 2009.
Program Description
The Master of Arts in Composition is designed for students interested in pursuing studies in the fields of composition, literacy studies, or education. The program in Composition is grounded in theory and research, with a strong emphasis on pedagogy. The faculty in the program bring a wide range of research interests and backgrounds to the classroom. Our faculty regularly conduct research on and publish in the areas of literacy studies, histories of composition, issues of ethnic, racial, and linguistic diversity and writing, histories of classroom practice, Generation 1.5 students, basic writing, race and literacy, critical theory and pedagogy, teacher education, theories of grammar and rhetoric, writing across the curriculum, and reading/writing connections. In all their fields of scholarship, composition faculty members share an interest in teaching and learning as reflective practices and serious areas of inquiry. Our faculty are deeply committed to mentoring graduate students and to providing as many opportunities as possible for graduate students to acquire a professional identity in Composition. We mentor graduate students as new teachers, and we also work closely with them as they conduct research projects of their own.
The courses in the program cover two areas of study: the practical aspects of teaching Composition (how to design an effective lesson plan, how to respond to student writing, how to design a syllabus), and developments in research and theory in Composition (including theories about the nature of literacy, research on writing and difference, the impact of digital technology on students' literacy practices, and research on reading/writing connections). At the same time, students may take elective units in areas such as teaching English as a Second Language, Linguistics, and theories of post-secondary reading. Concluding the program is an integrative seminar in which students work closely with a faculty member to conduct a research project of their own in the field of Composition.
The program also offers students the possibility of teaching undergraduate composition courses as graduate teaching assistants. Students have multiple opportunities to observe experienced teachers, and to work as tutors in the writing center. Graduates from San Francisco State University have gone on to pursue doctoral work in composition programs across the country, and many are employed as tenure-track faculty in community colleges.
Courses Offered
English 7OO: Introduction to Graduate Study in Composition
Introduces students to key issues in the field of composition and provides a link between research and practice. Includes readings in the composing process, discourse studies, evaluation, writing and thinking, writing and speaking, writing and reading.
English 7O4: Pedagogy in Composition I
This course aims to provide the theoretical and practical tools with which to work with student writing in the classroom. The course focuses on central issues involved with student writing, including theories and principles of assignment design, responding to student writing, and working with students' literacy practices.
English 657: Grammar and Rhetoric for Educators
This course provides the theoretical, grammatical, and rhetorical tools with which to understand student language use. The course focuses on theoretical and rhetorical understandings of how sentences work in written discourse.
English 705: Pedagogy in Composition II
This course provides theoretical and practical tools to design composition courses. Topics include designing syllabi, units, and lesson plans; conducting student/teacher conferences; facilitating peer response groups; assessment; and the theoretical underpinnings of such practices.
English 7O6: Sociolinguistics of Composition.
This course examines differences between oral and written language, effects of dialect and culture differences on learning writing, functions of writing in and out of school, and writer/ reader interactions.
English 89O: Seminar in Research in Composition
Introduces students to major research methods current in the field of composition. Students in this course will design an original research project.
English 898: Integrative Seminar in Composition Studies
This course provides guidance for students as they carry out their research projects and write their MA thesis projects.
Career Options/Alternatives
- Teaching composition and reading
- Writing program administration
- Learning center administration
- Professional writing and consulting
- Editing
- Preparation for doctoral work in composition
Admission Procedures
Part I: Application to Graduate Studies:
- Complete an online application with Graduate Studies through CSU Mentor at http://www.csumentor.edu/AdmissionApp/. NOTE: Do not submit your Statement of Purpose to Graduate Studies, as it will be included with the materials you send to the department. On page 9 of the Graduate Studies Application, simply state that your personal statement has been sent directly to the English Department.
- Send one set of transcripts from all colleges attended to Graduate Studies.
The phone number for Graduate Studies is (415) 338-2234.
Part II: Application to the English Department:
Send the following materials together in one package directly to the English Department:
- A 1-2 page typed statement of purpose detailing why you are interested in the Composition concentration.
- A recent writing sample (approximate length: between 7 and 10 pages). This writing should be analytic in nature. It may be from a previous course you have taken or it may be writing you undertook in your professional pursuit beyond the classroom. Please include a statement with your signature that certifies that the writing sample is your own.
- One set of official transcripts from all colleges attended.
- Two letters of recommendation that speak to your academic potential.
These documents should be on file in the English Department no later than March 15 for fall admission, or November 1 for spring admission. International applicants should submit their materials by January 1 for fall admission or September 1 for spring admission.
Current Students Checklist
Obtaining Classified Status
Students admitted with Conditionally Classified status normally obtain Classified status after Graduate Division reviews and approves the Graduate Approved Program (GAP). Under certain circumstances, you may wish to obtain Classified status before filing the GAP. If you have met the conditions outlined in your Notice of Admission, contact your department office about the procedure for changing your status from Conditionally Classified to Classified. If your program requires you to provide evidence that you have met these conditions, bring proof of completion (such as a transcript) to the department office and ask that it be added to your file.
For more information contact:
Department of English
San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway
San Francisco, CA 94132
415/338-2660
Inquiries concerning admission to the university, application forms, the university Bulletin, financial aid, etc. should be addressed to:
Graduate Studies Division, ADM 250
San Francisco State University
16OO Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, California 94132.
Graduate Division
415/338-2234
SFSU on the Internet
For access to the University Bulletin (catalog), Class Schedule, academic department web-sites, and other campus information, visit SFSU on the World Wide Web: http://www.sfsu.edu
