CSLP Degree Requirements

For the MA in Critical Studies in Literacy and Pedagogy (CSLP), students should consult the handbook (available from the graduate Handbooks and Forms page) published during their first year of study for details about degree requirements and progress expectations. Students may also find Appendix K, the MA-CSLP Advising Guide and also Appendix O: Ideal MA Timeline helpful. Both are available from the Handbook and Forms page.


COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for Both Plan A (thesis) and Plan B (without thesis)–core coursework (7 credits): 

  • WRA 878 Composition Studies (3 credits) 
  • WRA 888 Strategies and Methods for Teaching Writing (3 credits) 
  • WRA 886 Master’s Colloquium (1 credit) 

Requirements for Both Plan A (thesis) and Plan B (without thesis):

Rhetoric and Writing Concentration (18-21 credits)  

Designed for individuals who wish to pursue a PhD in rhetoric and composition studies. This concentration provides students with opportunities to engage more deeply the theory, scholarship, pedagogical practices, and methodological considerations of the field.  

Theory or History. One of the following courses (3 credits): 

  • WRA 805 Rhetoric History and Theory (3 credits) 
  • WRA 882 Contemporary Theories of Rhetoric (3 credits) 

Methodology. One of the following courses (3 credits): 

  • WRA 870 Research Methodologies in Rhetoric and Composition (3 credits) 
  • WRA 872 Methods of Research in Rhetoric and Writing (3 credits) 

Electives. Complete 12-15 credits from the following: 

  • WRA 805: Rhetoric History and Theory 
  • WRA 860 Multimodal Composing Theory and Practice (3 credits) 
  • WRA 853 Workshop in Rhetoric and Writing (3 credits) 
  • WRA 891 Special Topics (3 credits) 
  • WRA 848 Cultural Rhetorics (3 credits) 
  • WRA 877 Community Literacies (3 credits) 
  • WRA 882 Contemporary Theories of Rhetoric
  • WRA 899 Thesis Research
  • WRA 992 Seminar in Literacy Studies (3 credits) 
  • Approved 400-level WRA courses (limit: 6 credits)
  • Approved Courses in TE, AL, ENG, or LLT (limit: 6 credits) 

Community Teaching and Literacy Concentration (18-21 credits) 

Designed for individuals who wish to teach or to do literacy work in community organizations, including community colleges. This concentration provides students with opportunities to directly address community-specific pedagogical interests and needs.   

Community Literacy. One of the following courses (3 credits): 

  • WRA 877 Community Literacies (3 credits) 
  • WRA 992 Seminar in Literacy Studies (3 credits) 

Methodology. One of the following courses (3 credits): 

  • WRA 870 Research Methodologies in Rhetoric and Composition (3 credits) 
  • WRA 872 Methods of Research in Rhetoric and Writing (3 credits) 

Electives. Complete 12-15 credits from the following: 

  • WRA 805 Rhetoric History and Theory (3 credits) 
  • WRA 860 Multimodal Composing Theory and Practice (3 credits) 
  • WRA 841 Professional Writing Theory and Research (3 credits)
  • WRA 415 Digital Rhetorics (3 credits) 
  • WRA 453 Grant and Proposal Writing (3 credits) 
  • WRA 882 Contemporary Theories of Rhetoric (3 credits) 
  • WRA 891 Special Topics (3 credits)
  • WRA 893 Internship (variable credit)
  • Approved 400-level WRA courses (limit: 6 credits)
  • Approved Courses in TE, AL, ENG, or LLT (limit: 6 credits) 

DEGREE COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

Additional Requirements for Plan A: WRA 899 Master’s Thesis (4-6 credits) and pass an oral certifying examination in defense of the thesis and on the course work.  

Additional Requirements for Plan B: Complete an additional 3 credits of coursework from the list of electives above in consultation with the student’s advisory committee. Present a final certifying portfolio or pass a final certifying examination.

The first class counted toward the degree initiates degree progress; completion of the MA must occur within six (6) years of entering the program.