Language and Literacy

Language and Literacy (L & L) Division

The Language and Literacy Division focuses on education in language acquisition and use, literacy development, and the cultural contexts in which teaching and learning occur. The L & L faculty are national and international scholars who share a socio-cultural theoretical orientation to research and practice that highlights the ways in which students from diverse backgrounds develop their language and literacy knowledge and skills. A variety of research methodologies are supported including qualitative methods, case studies, sociolinguistic approaches, historical analyses and mixed-methods.

Language and Literacy Education

This area emphasizes the study of theories and practices of language and literacy with an emphasis on K-12 schooling.  Graduate students may focus on a variety of topics within language and literacy, including children’s and adolescent literature, language arts curricula, writing, early literacy and English education. Graduate students may also take courses leading to a reading endorsement.

Bilingual Education and Linguistic Diversity

This area focuses on theories, practice and policies of teaching and learning involved in the education of students from diverse backgrounds. Graduate students may focus on a variety of topics related to second language acquisition, bilingual education and ESL programs. Students may also complete coursework leading to endorsements in bilingual and ESL instruction.

The Language and Literacy Division offers a multi-faceted program of study, housed primarily within the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Many opportunities are available for coursework and collaboration in other departments in the College of Education and other departments and programs within the University.

 

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