Department of Literacy Studies, English Education and History Education

Katherine E. Misulis, Chair, 204-A Speight Building

The mission of the Department of Literacy Studies, English Education and History Education is to prepare pre-service and in-service teachers in the areas of reading education, English education, and history education. Departmental faculty members are committed to providing comprehensive programs with substantive clinical experiences. The programs are designed to produce teachers who are reflective practitioners, competent researchers, and who provide service to the community, the state, and the nation.

The graduate programs and courses are committed to the preparation of teachers who are knowledgeable, reflective, technologically proficient, and skilled in current research-based methods designed to meet the needs of a diverse student population. Emphasis is placed on service through faculty participation in the improvement of the public schools and assistance in the development and creation of educational policy for North Carolina, as well as support for scholarship and research/creative activity.

The literacy studies area offers many opportunities for professional development in all areas of literacy and literacy instruction. The master of arts in education (MAEd) in reading education program provides advanced study in literacy and literacy instruction for those holding an initial teaching license and who also meet the prerequisite entry-level requirements for graduate study in this area. Students explore current reading research, literacy assessment, management of reading/literacy programs, and develop action research projects related to areas of literacy interest. Successful completion of the MAEd in reading education leads to the graduate degree and eligibility to obtain North Carolina M-level reading licensure.

The English education program, in partnership with the public schools, provides comprehensive English education experiences. The master of arts in education (MAEd) in English education program allows for completion of an advanced degree for individuals who presently hold an initial secondary English teaching license. Students explore English content knowledge, current and emerging educational issues, and pedagogical concepts and practices related to instruction in the secondary English classroom. Students develop conceptual knowledge and research skills necessary to design and implement teacher action research projects, thereby informing their own practices and those of others in the field. The department also offers a master of arts in teaching (MAT) in English education degree for individuals who possess an undergraduate degree, but do not hold an initial teaching license. The full-time program is designed to be completed in twelve months, beginning in the summer and finishing the following summer. Successful completion of the MAT leads to advanced teaching licensure.

The history education area partners with the public schools to provide substantive social studies experiences. The master of arts in education (MAEd) in history education program allows for completion of an advanced degree for individuals who presently hold an initial secondary or middle grades history/social studies teaching license. Students explore history content and pedagogical issues while participating in experiences meant to develop their potential as leaders in schools and districts. Students work closely with both history and education faculty to design innovative research projects that contribute to the history/social studies fields. The department also offers the master of arts in teaching (MAT) in history education degree for individuals who possess an undergraduate degree, but do not hold an initial teaching license. This full-time program is designed to be completed in twelve months. Successful completion of the MAT leads to advanced teaching licensure.

Programs

Master’s

Courses

English Education

History Education

Reading