Literacy Studies, MSEd
Students in this interdisciplinary program study literacy and language from sociopolitical, cultural, psychological, historical, and linguistic perspectives. The M.S.Ed. in Literacy Studies program prepares students as practitioners, researchers, and policy makers in educational settings that include K-12 schools, colleges and universities, community-based literacy programs, educational publishing, and government programs. Four principles guide the program:
- Literacy and language are studied from the sociopolitical, cultural, psychological, historical, linguistic, and literary perspectives;
- The program is inquiry-based, intended to raise questions about the relationships among theory, research, policy, and practice while encouraging students to build their own theories of research and practice;
- It focuses on diversity and on urban settings and the contexts of different schools, communities, families, and cultures; and
- The program is committed to educational change, recognizing that educational institutions are sites in which to work for social justice, equity, and transformation.
For more information: https://www.gse.upenn.edu/academics/programs/reading-writing-literacy-masters
Curriculum
A total of 10 course units are required for the Literacy Studies MSEd.
Literacy Studies MSEd
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| EDUC 5333 | Forming and Reforming the Elementary Reading/Writing/Literacy Curriculum (Summer or Fall) | 1 |
| EDUC 6329 | Teaching English/Language and Literacy in Middle and Secondary Schools (Fall) | 1 |
| EDUC 6323 | Multicultural Issues in Education (Fall) | 1 |
| Foundations in Literacy | ||
| Select at least two from this category: 1 | 2 | |
| Literature for Children and Adolescents | ||
| Assessing Language and Learning Differences | ||
| Culturally Relevant and Sustaining Approaches to Literacy Tutorial Work | ||
| Digital Literacies in a Networked World | ||
| Theories and Pedagogies of Teaching Writing | ||
| Picturebooks and the Practice of Literacy | ||
| Teaching Reading and Study in Colleges and Universities | ||
| Adult Literacy | ||
| Literacy, Discourse, and Interaction | ||
| Young Adult Literature, Media & Culture | ||
| Literacy and Illustrated Texts: Picturebooks, Comics and Graphic Novels | ||
| Selected Topics in RWL: Literacy and Learning Differences | ||
Other RWL course | ||
| Distribution Course | ||
| Select 1 Distribution Course 2 | 1 | |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select 3 electives 3 | 3 | |
| Capstone Course | ||
| EDUC 6306 | Literacy Research, Theory, and Practice | 1 |
| Total Course Units | 10 | |
Capstone
Master’s degree candidates must demonstrate thorough knowledge of the field of specialization by taking a capstone class at the end of their program of study. The capstone course serves an educational and evaluative purpose through which students are expected to review and integrate what they have learned in their Literacy Studies coursework and fieldwork.
- 1
At the discretion of your academic advisor or program manager.
- 2
Candidates for the M.S.Ed. degree must demonstrate knowledge of the field of education beyond the area of specialization. This requirement is met by satisfying the distribution requirement. To meet the distribution requirement, students must complete one graduate level (5000 and above) GSE course outside of Literacy Studies, earning a grade of "B" or better. Students should check with their program manager for a list of courses approved to fulfill the distribution requirement. Further requirements regarding these courses may be specified by each division.
- 3
Electives must be 5000 level or above and taken for a letter grade (no pass/fail) to be included towards the MSEd degree. Non-GSE courses must be approved by your advisor.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.