This is an archived version of the University Catalog and is no longer being maintained. References to people, offices, policies, and web links may be outdated. View the current catalog or email catalog@csuchico.edu for updated information. Students who have catalog rights to this version of the catalog should check with an advisor for graduation requirements.

Skip to Side Navigation Skip to Content Skip to Accessibility Settings

The Master of Arts in Teaching International Languages

The MA in Teaching International Languages promotes the study of languages and cultures as an integral part of a world class education in a global society. Coursework focuses on linguistic, cultural, and pedagogical knowledge and its applications in teaching foreign languages and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). The program prepares professionals for a broad spectrum of cultural contexts and instructional settings in the United States and abroad.

This degree is offered by the Department of International Languages, Literatures, and Cultures as a 36-unit interdisciplinary program for graduate students interested in the effective teaching and learning of languages. By integrating course work from International Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, as well as from English and Education, this interdisciplinary degree encompasses studies in second language acquisition, foreign language pedagogy, linguistics, literature, language, and culture. The program promotes the development of knowledgeable, reflective, inquiry-oriented professionals prepared to teach foreign languages (including English as a foreign language), and English as a second language to adolescent and adult learners so that students from all nations can fully participate in the multilingual, interdependent communities of the twenty-first century. Required courses and electives provide the theoretical and practical foundations essential for foreign language teachers, second/foreign language college and university instructors, and other professionals teaching world languages. It is also ideal for educators interested in National Board Certification specific to English as a New Language and World Languages.

Course Requirements for the Master's Degree: 36 units

Continuous enrollment is required. At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 30 percent of the units counted toward the degree requirements may be special session credit earned in non-matriculated status combined with all transfer coursework.  This applies to special session credit earned through Open University, or in courses offered for academic credit through Regional and Continuing Education. Correspondence courses and UC Extension coursework are not acceptable for transfer. Correspondence courses and UC Extension coursework are not acceptable for transfer.

Graduate Time Limit:

All requirements for the degree are to be completed within seven years of the end of the semester of enrollment in the oldest course applied toward the degree. See Master's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.

Prerequisites for Admission to Conditionally Classified Status:

  1. An acceptable baccalaureate from an accredited institution, or an equivalent approved by the Office of Graduate Studies. Candidates with a foreign language emphasis are expected to hold an appropriate degree or credential, or to demonstrate comparable proficiency in the target language as assessed by the International Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Department.
  2. Satisfactory grade point average as specified in "Admission to Master's Degree Programs."
  3. An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 in the last 30 units, and 2.75 in the last 60 units.
  4. Approval by the Teaching International Languages Program and the Office of Graduate Studies. Students admitted to conditionally classified status must also file an approved, preliminary program plan with the Graduate Coordinator and request advancement to classified status upon completion of 6 units of the proposed program.
  5. A minimum TOEFL score of at least 550 on the paper-based exam; 213 on the computer-based TOEFL; 80 on the internet-based test; or a band score of 6.5 on the IELTS.

Prerequisites for Admission to Classified Status:

  1. In place of the third requirement above: an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 in the last 60 units. Students admitted to classified status must also file an approved, preliminary program plan with the Graduate Coordinator.
  2. All other conditions listed under Admission to Conditionally Classified Status.

Advancement to Candidacy:

In addition to any requirements listed above:

  1. Classified graduate standing.
  2. Completion of 9 units of the proposed program at the University.
  3. An approved master's degree program plan developed in consultation with the graduate advisory committee and the Graduate Coordinator.
  4. Request for advancement to candidacy.

Requirements for the MA in Teaching International Languages:

Completion of all requirements established by the program's Advisory Board, the student's graduate advisory committee, and the Office of Graduate Studies, to include:

  1. Completion of an approved program consisting of 36 units of 400/500/600-level courses.
    1. The required core courses (24 units), one of the two language studies emphasis (9 units), and the culminating activity (3 units).
    2. At least 60 percent of the units required for the degree in 600-level courses.
    3. Not more than 15 units taken before admission to classified status.
    4. Not more than a total of 10 units of Independent Study (697) and Master's Thesis (699T) or Master's Project (699P; not more than 6 units of Master's Thesis (699T) or Master's Project (699P).

Required courses:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
ENGL 470 Theory and Practice of Second Language Acquisition   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: ENGL 371.
Introduction to major issues in second language acquisition and teaching. 3 hours seminar. (003540)
EDSL 605 Technology in Second/Foreign Language Teaching and Learning   3.0 SP  
This graduate seminar introduces future language teachers to the role and use of technology in learning and teaching a second/foreign language. Through reading, interactive discussions, and individual and group projects, students in this course explore current theories, empirical research and pedagogical applications of technology in second language acquisition (SLA), with a focus on computer-assisted language learning (CALL). In particular, we explore how technology can be used to provide and increase multimodal input in foreign language teaching; digital storytelling; telecommunication and telecollaboration projects; the multiliteracies approach and digital literacy; digital games for developing foreign language learners' intercultural competence and sociopragmatic awareness; technology for vocabulary instruction; mobile language learning; technology and task-based language learning; and issues relating to inclusive language education and technology. 3 hours lecture. (022019)
EDSL 610 Second/Foreign Language Teaching Methodology for Beginning Learners   3.0 FA  
Survey of innovative approaches to foreign/second language teaching. An overview of theory and practice in the field, highlighting methods for the development of comprehension and communication skills. Humanistic techniques, teaching the cultural context of language use, and language testing are also included. 3 hours seminar. (002891)

Note: taking a beginning-level course in a foreign language is strongly recommended for all students in EDSL 610.

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
EDSL 620 Second/Foreign Language Teaching Methodology for Intermediate Learners   3.0 SP  
This seminar builds upon concepts and practices taught in EDSL 610. The course introduces future teachers to pedagogical approaches and research focused on language instruction for intermediate learners and heritage language speakers. Specifically, we focus upon: Teaching intermediate/advanced grammar and vocabulary; feedback and error correction through extended discourse; increasing language output in the classroom; assessing reading, writing, listening, and speaking; test design and scoring as well as task evaluation; planning teaching units and developing a syllabus; evaluation of textbooks; teaching heritage language speakers; serving second language and heritage language learners in the same classroom, and principles of immersion education. 3 hours lecture. (021962)
EDSL 630 Teaching Second Language Writing   3.0 FA  
This graduate seminar is designed to engage future language instructors in teaching and learning of second/foreign language writing. We reflect on pertinent issues in teaching second language (L2) writing to linguistically and culturally diverse learners, both from a pedagogical and research perspective. Students in this course explore current approaches to L2 writing, including process-oriented, genre-focused, model-based, and task-based approaches. Through critical reading and interactive discussions, individual and group projects, and reflective activities, we explore differences between L1 and L2 writing; learners' beliefs and needs regarding L2 writing; scaffolding the writing process and designing effective writing tasks; peer collaboration and feedback in L2 writing; and assessing writing. Students in this course get hands-on experience in designing their own teaching materials, including an instructional unit for an L2 writing course. 3 hours seminar. (021961)
EDSL 633 Foreign/Second Language Teaching: The Cultural Dimension   3.0 FA  
This course provides language professionals with an opportunity to examine the cultural dimensions of language teaching and learning. Students investigate context and culture in language teaching, explore ways of addressing culture-related standards, and engage in an in-depth review of research in this area. They also apply their knowledge and skills to enhance interaction and instruction in language classrooms for all learners. 3 hours lecture. (020007)
EDSL 635 Current Research and Developments in Foreign/Second Language Education   3.0 SP  
Theories of language acquisition and applications of research. This course focuses on linguistic, psychological, sociocultural, historical, and legal bases of foreign language and English as a second language. 3 hours seminar. (002888)
EDSL 689 Internship   1.0 -6.0 INQ  
This course is an internship offered for 1.0-6.0 units. You must register with a supervising faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (021820)

Note: EDSL 689 must be taken for 3 units. EDSL 689 is required for the Graduate TESOL Certificate.

Students entering the program without teaching experience must demonstrate experience prior to graduation through one or more of several options: internship courses offered by the department of International Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (e.g., SPAN 689); teaching experience as an instructor with the American Language and Culture Immersion (ALCI Chico) on campus; as an instructor in University departments (e.g., English or International Languages, Literatures, and Cultures) or at the community college level (e.g., Butte College, Shasta College, Yuba College); teaching experience overseas; or by other appropriate means.

The language studies component of the program consists of 9 units of electives within one of two areas of emphasis: English as a Second/Foreign Language or Foreign Language. In consultation with a graduate advisor, students will choose an area of emphasis consistent with the target language they teach.

English as a Second/Foreign Language

9-10 units selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
ENGL 431 Theory and Practice in Tutoring Composition   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: ENGL 333W and ENGL 335W are strongly recommended.
Training and experience in the tutoring of students in composition. With permission of instructor, course may be repeated once for credit, but credit will not count toward major. 3 hours seminar, 3 hours laboratory. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 8.0 units. (003539)
ENGL 472 Pedagogical Grammar   3.0 FA  
This course emphasizes both the grammatical content needed to teach non-native speakers and various integrated approaches to teaching grammar. 3 hours lecture. (003527)
ENGL 474 Syntactic and Morphological Analysis   3.0 SP  
Prerequisites: ENGL 371, ENGL 375.
Study of syntax and morphology, focusing on similarities and differences among languages from the viewpoint of both form and function. 3 hours seminar. (003531)
ENGL 476W Phonological Analysis (W)   3.0 SP  GW  W
Prerequisites: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement, ENGL 371.
Study of world's sound systems as well as the relevant phonetics and morphology with an emphasis on English and second language acquisition. 3 hours seminar. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (003533)
ENGL 477 Semantics: Language and Meaning   3.0 FA  
A comprehensive exploration of semantics, including theories of meaning, relationship between semantics and conceptual structure, semantics and cognition in language acquisition, and the relationship between meaning and use. 3 hours lecture. (003534)
ENGL 478 Approaches to Reading   3.0 FA  
An examination of recent theory and research in the field of reading as a language process, with practical experience in reading instruction. 3 hours seminar. (003535)
ENGL 481 Sociolinguistics   3.0 FA  
The study of language in society through an exploration of language variation in different contexts. 3 hours lecture. (021656)
ENGL 632 Theories of Literacy   3.0 SP  
Intensive study of contemporary literacy theory and practice; the cultural and individual bases of the development of literacy. 3 hours seminar. (003657)
ENGL 634 Teaching Composition   3.0 SP  
Weekly seminar in the theory and practice of teaching composition. Required of all prospective teaching associates. 3 hours seminar. (003660)
ENGL 689T Internship in Teaching College English   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: ENGL 431 or ENGL 470 for ESL; faculty permission.
Supervised classroom experience in teaching ESL, literature, and creative writing. Students must be in MA program in English and have permission of program coordinator and instructor of record. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (015976)
ENGL 692 Special Topics in English   3.0 FS  
Current issues in the study of literature, critical theory, composition, and linguistics. Specific topics vary from semester to semester. 3 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 9.0 units. (003663)

Note: ENGL 375, a foundation course, is strongly recommended for all students in this emphasis.

Foreign Language

For the Foreign Language Emphasis, students select 9 units of 400/500/600-level course work in linguistics, language, literature and/or culture taught in the target language. Selections should consist primarily of courses taught in the target language (e.g., French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish). Candidates are expected to hold an appropriate degree or credential, or to possess comparable proficiency in the target language as assessed by the International Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Department. In consultation with the graduate advisor, candidates may also select one course from the English Department offerings in linguistics, as appropriate.

Culminating Activity

The culminating activity consists of a thesis, project, or comprehensive examination. Students enroll in Master's Project or Master's Thesis units from the home department of their graduate advisory committee chair (e.g., ENGL 699P or ENGL 699T, SPAN 699P or SPAN 699T). Any 699 course normally must be taken for 3 units. Students who choose the comprehensive examination enroll in EDSL 696 for 3 units.

(a) Thesis or Project Plan. Requires completion and final approval of a thesis or project for 3 units (699T or 699P), plus at least 33 units of approved course work.

A proposal for the thesis or project must be submitted to and approved by the graduate advisory committee before the student may enroll in the thesis or project units. When human subjects approval is required, clearance must be secured before the proposal is filed.

An oral defense shall be conducted by the candidate's graduate advisory committee.

Approval by the graduate advisory committee, the Graduate Coordinator, and the Office of Graduate Studies is required.

(b) Comprehensive Examination Plan. Requires completion of 3 units of Comprehensive Examination (EDSL 696) in preparation for a written comprehensive examination, with oral review, covering each of the program areas, plus at least 33 units of approved course work.

The graduate advisory committee will prepare, administer, and evaluate the comprehensive examination.

Each examination shall be graded as honors, pass, or fail.

All parts of the comprehensive examination must receive a grade of pass. The candidate may repeat each part of the examination once.

Graduate Requirement in Writing Proficiency:

Writing proficiency is a graduation requirement.

Students in the program will demonstrate their writing proficiency by submitting an acceptable Justification Statement with the application to the program. Consult the Graduate Coordinator for further information.

Graduate Grading Requirements:

All courses in the major (with the exceptions of Independent Study - 697, Comprehensive Examination - 696, Master's Project - 699P, and Master's Thesis - 699T) must be taken for a letter grade, except those courses specified by the department as ABC/No Credit (400/500-level courses), AB/No Credit (600-level courses), or Credit/No Credit grading only. A maximum of 10 units combined of ABC/No Credit, AB/No Credit, and Credit/No Credit grades may be used on the approved program (including 697, 696, 699P, 699T and courses outside the major). While grading standards are determined by individual programs and instructors, it is also the policy of the University that unsatisfactory grades may be given when work fails to reflect achievement of the high standards, including high writing standards, expected of students pursuing graduate study.

Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average in each of the following three categories: all course work taken at any accredited institution subsequent to admission to the master's program; all course work taken at CSU, Chico subsequent to admission to the program; and all courses on the approved master's degree program.

Graduate Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory each semester. For further information, consult the Graduate Coordinator.

Catalog Cycle:21