Reading/Writing/Literacy, MSEd
Students in this interdisciplinary program study literacy and language from sociopolitical, cultural, psychological, historical, and linguistic perspectives. The M.S.Ed. in Reading/Writing/Literacy 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 RWL MSEd.
A total of 10 course units are required for RWL MSEd + Reading Specialist Certification if student is certified in Elem or Sec certification with at least 1 year of teaching experience (student teaching not applicable)
A total of 11 course units are required for RWL MSEd + Reading Specialist Certification if student does not hold Elem or Sec certification or is certified without at least 1 year of teaching experience (student teaching not applicable)
RWL 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 7323 | Multicultural Issues in Education (Fall) | 1 |
| Foundations in Literacy | ||
| Select at least two from this category: | 2 | |
| Literature for Children and Adolescents | ||
| Assessing Language and Learning Differences | ||
| Tutorial Work in Reading/Writing/Literacy | ||
| 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 | |
RWL MSEd + Reading Specialist Certification (if student does hold Elem or Sec certification and is certified with at least 1 year of teaching experience)
| 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 7323 | Multicultural Issues in Education (Fall) | 1 |
| Reading Specialist Courses 1 | ||
| EDUC 5325 | Fieldwork in Language in Education (Spring) | 1 |
| EDUC 5335 | Literature for Children and Adolescents | 1 |
| EDUC 6335 | Assessing Language and Learning Differences | 1 |
| EDUC 7335 | Tutorial Work in Reading/Writing/Literacy | 1 |
| Distribution Course | ||
| Select 1 Distribution Course 2 | 1 | |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select 1 elective 3 | 1 | |
| Capstone Course | ||
| EDUC 6306 | Literacy Research, Theory, and Practice | 1 |
| Total Course Units | 10 | |
RWL MSEd + Reading Specialist Certification (if student does not hold Elem or Sec certification and does not have at least 1 year of teaching experience)
| 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 7323 | Multicultural Issues in Education (Fall) | 1 |
| Reading Specialist Courses 1 | ||
| EDUC 5325 | Fieldwork in Language in Education (Spring) | 1 |
| EDUC 5325 | Fieldwork in Language in Education (Fall - for those who need an addtl course unit) | 1 |
| EDUC 5335 | Literature for Children and Adolescents | 1 |
| EDUC 6335 | Assessing Language and Learning Differences | 1 |
| EDUC 7335 | Tutorial Work in Reading/Writing/Literacy | 1 |
| Distribution Course | ||
| Select 1 Distribution Course 2 | 1 | |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select 1 elective 3 | 1 | |
| Capstone Course | ||
| EDUC 6306 | Literacy Research, Theory, and Practice | 1 |
| Total Course Units | 11 | |
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 RWL coursework and fieldwork.
- 1
These courses listed are required for RWL MSEd + Reading Specialist Certification students (depending on their prior certification/preparation).
- 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 RWL, 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 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.