Graduate
Certificate Programs
Language and Literature Certificate
The IU Online Graduate Certificate in Language and Literature provides training in the core principles of writing and literature. Learn to teach students how to craft sound arguments using close attention to logic, context, and audience. Develop a fluency with the current debates, schools, and theories of writing instruction.
Student Learning Outcomes
In contrast to traditional M.A. programs, which place heavy emphasis on literary history, the IU Indianapolis program focuses on the application of English studies to contemporary situations and problems. Students completing the English M.A. curriculum will be able to:
- Identify and define fundamental concepts, terms, and theories in two areas of graduate-level English studies (writing, creative writing, literature, linguistics).
- Critically read, write about, and evaluate issues in English Studies.
- Demonstrate advanced skills in reading, writing, and evaluating issues in the discipline of English Studies.
- Apply various critical perspectives to a wide range of texts, including historical, theoretical, and literary material.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of the cultural diversity of language and literatures.
- Plan and present coherent, persuasive, and original oral and written arguments.
- Design and conduct independent research.
- Produce through a reflective writing process manuscripts suitable for publication.
Specific areas of focus include:
- Contemporary theory on the pedagogy of composition and literature
- Linguistic structures and history of the English language
- Reading strategies and literary analysis, with attention to close reading, style, form, genre, and rhetorical practices
- Approaches to composition and writing instruction, including the identification and evaluation of sources, use of evidence, generation of ideas, and the development and organization of argument
- Fostering discussion and developing presentation skills in a seminar setting
- Developing archival research skills and facility with electronic resources
- Developments, trends, and frontiers in the digital humanities
Of Special Interest to Dual-Credit and Community College Instructors Needing to Meet HLC Standards
The Graduate Certificate in Language and Literature is ideal for those who want to teach dual-credit courses and who need to meet Higher Learning Commission dual-credit qualification standards. These standards require teachers wanting to teach dual-credit courses to hold either a master's degree in their area of instruction or a master's degree in another discipline (such as education), plus at least 18 credit hours of discipline-specific graduate coursework.
- If you hold a master's degree in another discipline, you can meet HLC standards by completing the 20 credit hour Graduate Certificate in Language and Literature.
- If you plan to pursue the IU Online MA in English or the IU Online Master of Liberal Studies, you may apply the 20 credit hours from the Graduate Certificate in Language and Literature toward the master's degree.
Your IU Online Graduate Certificate in Language and Literature prepares you for such careers as:
- Composition and/or literature dual-credit teacher (high school)
- Composition and/or literature instructor (community college)
This 100 percent online, consortial program is taught by IU Bloomington, IU Indianapolis, IU East, IU Kokomo, IU Northwest, IU South Bend, and IU Southeast. This consortial model allows you to take coursework from several campuses and learn from a wide range of faculty.
Certificate Requirements
To earn the Graduate Certificate in Language and Literature, you must complete a total of 20 credit hours.
Requirements are broken down as follows:
- Language and literature core courses (16 credit hours)
- Language and literature elective course (4 credit hours)
