Within the content knowledge area, students will demonstrate knowledge of various forms of written texts, major periods in the history of English, American, and world literatures, and the standard terminology of literary analysis. Also, students will demonstrate knowledge of professional standards of grammar and mechanics, scholarly reference methodology and tools, and various critical approaches to literary analysis.

Student Objectives: Content Knowledge. The student will demonstrate knowledge of:

1. various forms of written texts (including fiction, poetry, drama, essay, and other literary genres)
2. major periods in the history of English, American, and world literature in terms of cultural contexts, styles, dominant genres, language, and subject matter
3. major similarities and differences among British, American, and other national literatures
4. professional standards of grammar, mechanics, and usage accepted in the scholarly community
5. standard reference tools, methods, and forms of documentation used in scholarly research
6. the standard terminology of literary analysis used in scholarly writing
7. various critical perspectives such as the formalist, structuralist, and post-structuralist approaches
8. the English language, including its structure, grammar, vocabulary, and historical development
9. writers from different cultural, ethnic, and minority backgrounds

Student Objectives: Skills in Analysis, Writing, and Communication. The student will:

1. present orally the findings of research and critical analysis
2. demonstrate the correct use of standard reference tools, the proper handling of primary and secondary sources, and proper documentation of all sources
3. write research papers and critical analyses on appropriate topics from language, literature, or pedagogy
4. demonstrate a publishable level of critical, creative, or pedagogical materials
5. sustain a high standard of written expression in lengthy critical or creative works (including but not limited to theses)
6. demonstrate synthesizing skills through a comprehensive final examination