Teaching Literature Certificate

Gain experience teaching literature in the college classroom

More about the Teaching Literature Certificate

This 20-hour graduate certificate in teaching literature is a structured program designed for licensed middle school and high school teachers, current M.A. students, and university and college faculty in literature and other subject areas who wish to enhance their professional teaching careers.

Credits earned toward the certificate can be applied to an M.A. in English upon acceptance into that degree program. The certificate offers you an opportunity to explore the theories and best practices that promote learning and strengthen professional mentorship of area teachers

Admission

Admission to the Certificate program requires one of the following:

  • Successful completion of a B.A. with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0) or the equivalent from an accredited institution; or
  • Current enrollment as a Graduate student at IU Indianapolis; or
  • Successful completion of an M.A. degree or higher at an accredited university; or
  • State certification in middle school or high school teaching.
  • A one page Personal Statement regarding your interest in the program is also required.

Apply

Visit the IU Indianapolis Graduate Office to apply online.

When you have accessed the application, use the information below as a guide.

  • The Graduate Certificate in Teaching Literature is located under IU Graduate School
  • On the application in the Intended Program and Plan section, select the following:
    • Type of degree: “graduate certificate” from the drop down menu
    • Academic Program: “IU Graduate School” from drop down menu
      • Do not select “English (IU Graduate School)” or the Teaching Literature Certificate will not appear
    • Academic Plan: “Teaching Literature Certificate” from drop down menu

NOTE: The certificate programs do not require letters of recommendation. However, the online application can only be submitted if at least one recommender is named.

Courses

Core course (8 credit hours/2 courses)

  • L503 Teaching of Literature
  • L508 Practicum of Teaching Literature

English electives (12 credit hours total, up to 6 credits of which may be School of Education courses)

  • ENG L506 Introduction to Methods of Criticism and Research (4 cr.)
  • ENG L606 Topics in African American Literature (4 cr.)
  • ENG L625 Readings in Shakespeare
  • ENG L635 Readings in American Ethnic Literature and Culture (4 cr.)
  • ENG L641 Studies in British Literature before 1900 (4 cr.)
  • ENG L643 Readings in Colonial and Post-Colonial Literature (4 cr.)
  • ENG L649 Studies in British Literature since 1900 (4 cr.)
  • ENG L650 Studies in American Literature before 1900 (4 cr.)
  • ENG L655 Studies in American Literature since 1900 (4 cr.)
  • ENG L657 Readings in Literary and Critical Theory (4 cr.)
  • ENG L666 Survey of Children's Literature (4 cr.)
  • ENG L673 Studies in Women and Literature (4cr.)
  • ENG L680 Special Topics in Literary Study and Theory (4 cr.)

Variable credit hour courses (1-4 credits):

  • ENG L695 Individual Readings in Literature

School of Education electives (up to 6 credits total)

  • EDUC L500 Instructional Issues in Language Learning (3 cr.)
  • EDUC L502 Socio-Psycholinguistic Applications for Reading Instruction (3 cr.)
  • EDUC L535 Teaching Adolescent Literature (3 cr.)
Note: Other graduate courses in literature or related fields as approved by certificate director.

For more information, contact:

Megan L. Musgrave
memusgra@iu.edu
(317) 274-5671
Cavanaugh Hall (CA) 501U
425 University Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN 46202