MA Scheme in Language Studies for the Professions

MA in English Language Arts

Programme Leader:
Dr Christina DeCoursey
BA, MA, PhD

Programme Code:
71024-MAF (Full-time) / 71024-MAP (Part-time)

What You Will Gain from This Programme The programme offers training in specic areas of the English Language Arts. Our approach is contemporary. We focus on popular materials including drama, debate and the media, in keeping with todays skills-based approach to literature and culture. We provide materials and perspectives consistent with recent trends in the new school curriculum in Hong Kong. Our programme is currently unique in Hong Kong. It is designed to support teachers in specic areas of the new language arts curriculum, and also to support business professionals who use language arts, such as trainers and coaches.

Special Features Mixed mode attendance: full-time and part-time study Convenient timing of teaching: many lectures are offered on Saturdays and on weekday evenings Flexibility of exit point: PgC, PgD or MA

Programme Details Who is the programme for? Hong Kong teachers Business people and other professionals who use language arts What qualications can be obtained?

Students will: Enhance their capacity to use oral and written English communication Explore rhetorical modes and the theories behind them Integrate language arts with visual, civic, cultural and technological literacies, and Incorporate language arts materials into realistic scenarios.

Master of Arts in English Language Arts: 30 credits; Postgraduate Diploma in English Language Arts: 18 credits; Postgraduate Certicate in English Language Arts: 12 credits.

How is the programme structured? The programme consists of 5 core subjects taken in Year One for 15 credits. After that, 5 elective subjects are required for a further 15 credits, for the MA degree. Professional Recognition New and serving English language teachers who do not hold a degree majoring in English but have completed the MAELA programme successfully may be regarded by the Education Bureau (EDB) as having a relevant language major degree. Graduates wanting the Subject Knowledge Requirement (SKR) must apply individually to the EDB, which adjudicates on a case-by-case basis. Graduates meet the EDB's Language Prociency Requirement (LPR) provided that they also meet the training requirement for language teachers. This exemption applies to students obtaining the MA (30 credits). However, the exemption is not granted to students graduating with a PgD (18 credits) or PgC (12 credits).

Entrance Requirements A Bachelor's degree in any subject, with preference given to applicants who majored in a related eld. Applicants are expected to meet ONE of the following requirements: A TOEFL score of 590 or above for the paper-based test, 243 or above for the computer-based test; or 96 or above for the internet-based test; OR An IELTS score of at least 7.0 for the listening and reading sections and at least 6.5 for the speaking and writing sections; OR A Pass or above in the Test for English Majors (TEM) at Level 8; OR A level of competence in English, as demonstrated by performance in the admission interview and written test set by the Department of English, which indicates that the applicant* is capable of studying successfully at taught MA level.
Notes: *This only applies to either native English speakers or non-native English applicants with a bachelor degree from a university using English as Medium of Instruction (EMI). Non-native speakers or applicants without a bachelor degree from an EMI university still have to full the university-wide minimum language requirements. Exceptional cases shall be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Core Subjects (15 Credits)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. English Literature and Language Arts Drama and Language Learning Critical Language and Cultural Studies Oral Language Arts Popular Culture and English

These subjects respond to major areas of the new language arts curriculum.

Electives (3 credits each subject)

Students choose elective subjects from the existing subjects currently on offer in the MA Scheme. Many of these are directly related to teaching, pedagogy, professional English or English subject knowledge. Information on the range of elective subjects offered can be obtained at
http://www.engl.polyu.edu.hk/Courses/MAscheme.html

Programme Fees $2,700 per credit (for local students) $3,335 per credit (for non-local students) Enquiries

Duration MA (Full-time): 1 year (2 semesters and 1 summer term) MA (Part-time): 2 years (4 semesters and 1 summer term)

Dr Christina DeCoursey (Tel: 2766 7352; email: egdecour@inet.polyu.edu.hk) Ms Eliza Li (afternoons) (Tel: 2766 7490; email: egeliza@inet.polyu.edu.hk)