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CSU Stanislaus, M.A. in English RTW FAQs Frequently-asked questions about the M.A. concentration in Rhetoric and Teaching Writing: 1.
Whom should I contact with questions not answered here?
2. What are the
required courses and required number of units in the concentration?
3. What other courses
may I take?
4. In what order
should I take the courses?
5. What about dual
concentrations?
6. What are the
comprehensive examinations? When may I take them?
7. How do I arrange
to take the comprehensive examinations?
8. Should I do an
Advanced Project?
9. How long do I have
to complete my degree?
10. How can I ensure
that I'm following the most efficient path to degree?
11. Where can I get
information about career opportunities?
12. What is a
Teaching Associateship (TAship)? Why should I apply? How do I apply?
13. What's the
difference in and connection between 5884 and 5894?
14. How do I apply
for graduation?
1. Whom should I contact with questions not answered here? Mark Thompson, Coordinator, MA-RTW mthompson@csustan.edu 2. What are the required courses and required number of units in the concentration? The M.A. degree requires 30 units; required courses in the RTW concentration include:
3. What other courses may I take? Besides the required courses listed in the previous item, you may take:
4. In what order should I take the courses? ENGL 5001 and 5894 are gateway courses into the program, and 5894 is also a prerequisite for those wishing to apply for a teaching associateship, so the best option is to be sure to take 5894 and 5001 during your first two semesters. The best time to take 5941 is after completing 5894 and/or 5870. However, there are no restrictions on the order in which you may take the courses. An idealized three-year, two-course per term program schedule:
An idealized two-year, three-course per term program schedule:
5. What about dual concentrations? Dual concentrations may combine any two of the three concentrations (LIT, RTW, TESOL) and usually require 39 units. We feel that the dual concentrations offer a strong statement that students are very well prepared in two areas. Generally speaking, you must meet the specific requirements of each concentration, including both comprehensive examinations. Work with the coordinators of both concentrations when designing your dual program and verify your specific program with a memorandum to each for approval. 6. What are the comprehensive examinations? When may I take them? The comprehensive examination is a 72-hour, take-home test composed of two essay questions based on the required reading list and a supplemental readings list you design in consultation with your exam committee. Exams may be taken in your next-to-last or last semester and are administered in the first week of May or the first week of November. (For sample instructions and examination questions, go to: http://rhet.csustan.edu/matw/examquestions.htm ) The required reading list is:
An initial supplemental reading list focused on feminist/cultural rhetoric and criticism might look like:
7. How do I arrange to take the comprehensive examinations? First discuss the formation of your committee and the designation of committee chair with the program coordinator. After discussing the committee membership, contact potential committee members to see if they are able to serve on your committee. Once you have a committee, you should provide them with an electronic copy of your supplemental list along with an explanation of the area of your interest that the list covers. Once you have an approved supplemental list, arrange to meet with your committee early in the semester in which you wish to take your examination to discuss your area of interest and the exam format and to schedule the testing dates. Be sure to complete and submit the form found at http://web.csustan.edu/english/dept/Dept_Grad_Comm_Form.doc 8. Should I do an Advanced Project? An advanced project is a significant research project culminating in a lengthy document comparable to a thesis. A project is an excellent opportunity to gain specialized knowledge in a specific area of rhetoric and composition. If you intend to pursue a doctorate after completing the M.A., an advanced project is excellent practice for the dissertation that doctoral programs require. If you are considering an advanced project, set up a meeting with the Coordinator to discuss the specific requirements and process. 9. How long do I have to complete my degree? From the date you begin, you have seven years to complete the program. After the seventh year, you will begin to "lose" coursework which may or may not be revalidated. If coursework is not revalidated, you will have to retake any courses that have expired.
10. How can I ensure that I'm following the most efficient path to degree? Meet with the Coordinator yearly to review progress and plan next steps. In the interim, email questions and follow up with a meeting request if questions are not clarified. Keep track of your progress. Print and use this checklist:
*Dual concentrations (LIT/RTW; TESOL/RTW) require at least 39 units.
11. Where can I get information about career opportunities? Talk to the program coordinator as part of your advising and to your other professors and colleagues as you progress through the program. Get on the department's graduate-student listserv where job opportunities are sometimes posted http://listbot.csustan.edu/mm/listinfo/eng-gradstudent . The campus also has a Career Services Center, see http://www.csustan.edu/Career/ or call 667-3661. 12. What is a Teaching Associateship (TAship)? Why should I apply? How do I apply? A teaching associateship is a paid position that places you in charge of a class while still under the guidance of a supervising professor (the Director of Composition). The TAship is an integral part of your education in the English MA program that allows you to get hands-on experience in planning, delivering direct instruction, and responding to and evaluating student work in writing courses (ENGL 1000, 1001, or 1002). Teaching experience is an important element of your resume when applying for future employment. To apply for a teaching associateship, complete the form http://rhet.csustan.edu/ldcomp/taapp.htm Note that normally ENGL5894 is a prerequisite. The application deadlines are April 26 for summer and fall semesters and November 27 for winter and spring semesters. 13. What's the difference in and connection between 5884 and 5894? ENGL5894 is a three-unit course required as part of the concentration in RTW; the course is also a prerequisite for anyone seeking a teaching associateship (see #12 above). Teaching Associates are supervised by the Director of Composition and are normally required to attend small-group or individual meetings during the semester to discuss their teaching experiences. Teaching Associates are allowed, but not required, to take ENGL5884, a one-unit practicum, in order to received credit for the required meetings. ENGL5884 is not required in the concentration but may be counted and may be repeated for credit up to a maximum of two units in the degree program.
14. How do I apply to graduate? Most of the paperwork is completed by staff and faculty in the department; however you will need to submit an Application for Graduation to the Enrollment Services Office (MSR120) in the first two weeks of the term you plan to graduate.
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