English and Literacy Studies - Master's Degree Programme

The Masters programme in English and Literacy Studies is a two-year postgraduate programme that includes a 60-credit taught component and a 60-credit Masters thesis. It is offered both as an independent Masters programme and as an integrated part of the 5-year lektorprogram at UiS. The programme may also be taken part time over a period of four years (contact the Institute). Full and part-time students attend the same classes.

The area of the programme is Eglish and Literacy Studies, defined as the study of reading, writing and the written text in a social and cultural context. The programme focusses on Literacy Studies within an English-speaking context, and includes literary, linguistic and educational approaches; it is equivalent to a Master`s programme in English from the point of view of teaching and research competence. At Stavanger, it builds upon the Bachelor`s level in English (or on the first three years of the lektorprogram with English as the main subject) and feeds into the PhD programme in Literacy Studies.

The programme recognises the central role played by literacy in our society. The written language is a key factor in social organisation and cultural development, and the medium of a wide range of communication technologies. It is often claimed that the central role of reading and texts is one of the most important characteristics of modern societies. A good understanding of the various aspects of literacy, both contemporary and historical, is therefore essential for a full understanding of how this society works, and forms a key asset for the efficient participation therein. 

As the programme is open for international students, and all students are expected to reach a high level of competence in oral and written English, all teaching and supervision takes place in English.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge

The student will gain

• an overview of the main approaches and research areas within the field of Literacy Studies
• a good understanding of the major theories and issues within a range of research areas within Literacy Studies, with focus on the English-speaking world and including both historical and current perspectives
• a sound theoretical and methodological basis for academic research within Literacy Studies, focussing on a selected direction of study (linguistic, literary, historical or didactic)
• detailed knowledge of the particular field of research within which the student chooses to write her/his thesis
• an understanding of basic research ethics and issues of copyright
• an understanding of the critical use of sources and of the conventions of writing an academic thesis
• a good knowledge of the conventions of academic English

Skills

By the end of the course, the student will be able to

• apply their knowledge to independent research work
• place their work within a broader research context within Literacy Studies
• account for the theories and methods current within their field of research and explain their own choice of theoretical framework and methodology
• find relevant sources and organize information and data in appropriate ways
• use sources critically and present a sound line of argument

General competence

By the end of the course, the student will be able to

• discuss sensibly any aspect of Literacy Studies and apply their knowledge to current debates and social/educational issues as well as to school teaching
• use spoken and written academic English fluently and correctly
• communicate clearly and efficiently both in writing and through oral presentations
• work on texts constructively through the giving and receiving of critical feedback

Syllabus

The programme brings together two main groups of students: students (Norwegian and international) who take the programme as an independent Masters programme and Norwegian students who are enrolled on the five-year lektorprogram. In the first year, the former group take two taught modules per semester, while the latter take two modules in the Autumn semester only. All the Autumn modules offered are available for both groups of students. 

In the first Autumn semester, all students choose two out of three modules. The modules represent three general study directions: literature, linguistics and visual literacy. Regardless of which modules the student chooses, the two chosen modules together provide an introduction to Literacy Studies, upon which the remainder of the programme builds.

In the spring, the Literacy students take two modules that represent the develoment of the English language through time, and English literature in context Depending on the modules, they are evaluated through written or oral examinations at the end of the semester. Some of the modules also include a midterm exam.

In the second year of the Masters programme, the students will produce a thesis. During the year, the student receives supervision and attends a thesis writing seminar; attendance at both is compulsory. After submitting the thesis, the candidate will give a test lecture. The grade is awarded on the basis of the thesis but may be adjusted on the basis of the lecture. Theses may be submitted twice a year (May and November).

Career prospects

The Master in English and Literacy Studies can lead you to a wide variety of careers within areas such as education, media, publishing and culture.

The programme also qualifies for studies at PhD level.

Course assessment

As part of the new quality of teaching framework at UiS, all courses implement annual evaluation in the form of dialogue between student representatives and course teachers. In addition, the courses in the programme are evaluated electronically at least once in a three-year period, in the form of online student surveys.