Bachelor of Arts
in English
with Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary
Single Subject Teaching Credential (California)
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Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in English with Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary Single Subject Credential provides a rigorous education preparing candidates for a career as a teacher of English at the middle and secondary school levels. The program stresses literary analysis, diversity, and critical thinking and written and oral communication skills through a rigorous curriculum of literature, composition, language and linguistics, and communication studies. Completion of the Bachelor of Arts in English also satisfies the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requirements for subject matter preparation in English; students who complete the English requirements will not be required to take the CSET exam.
This program also prepares teacher candidates with the knowledge, skills and dispositions required for entry into California’s teaching profession as an English teacher. It is designed for teacher candidates who will be dedicated to inspiring all K-12 learners by ensuring for them: social-emotional thriving, meaningful academic achievement, and equitable and inclusive learning communities. The Education courses meet the CTC requirements for a Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential.
*Please Note: To avoid interruptions to program progress and/or financial aid arrangements, students need to satisfy/pass the Basic Skills Requirement (e.g., CBEST) and Subject Matter Competency Requirement (e.g., CSET) PRIOR to starting the single credential area method courses.
For additional information on credential requirements, please see the Sanford College of Education’s Credential Information section of the catalog.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Course Details
Course Listing
Preparation for the Major
- 1 courses; 4.5 quarter units
Course Name
Prerequisite: ENG 102
An overview of the main genres of literature, including fiction, poetry and drama. Examines literary language and different approaches to literary criticism designed to increase student confidence when responding to literature.
*May also be used to satisfy General Education requirements.
English Requirements
- 11 courses; 49.5 quarter units
TWO of the following four courses LIT 311, LIT 312, LIT 321, or LIT 322.
Of the TWO courses ONE must be either LIT 311 or LIT 321.
Course Name
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and; LIT 100
A survey of important British authors and literary trends from Chaucer through the middle of the 18th century.
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
A survey of important British authors and literary trends from the late 18th century through the modern era, with a focus on Romantic, Victorian and Modernist writers and texts. Some attention will also be paid to colonial and post-colonial writing in English.
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
A survey of important American authors and literary trends through the late 19th century. Texts will be situated in relation to cultural, philosophical, social and historical contexts, e.g., Puritanism and its legacies, varieties of American Romanticism, debates over slavery and gender roles, formation of national identities.
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
A survey of important American authors and literary trends from the late 19th century through the present. Texts will be situated in relation to cultural, philosophical, social and historical contexts. Particular attention will be paid to the modernist canon and to works by women and authors of color that respond to American literary heritage and social conditions.
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
An examination of major works of William Shakespeare.
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
A survey of important contemporary literary theories and their application to literary analysis and criticism.
AND
ANY ONE additional Upper Division LIT Course
Any ONE of the following THREE courses: LIT 410 or LIT 420 or LIT 460
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and; LIT 100
Examination of important representative works by U.S. African-American writers and theoretical approaches relevant to studying that literature. Emphases may vary in different sections.
Prerequisite: LIT 100 and ENG 240
Examination of important representative works by U.S. Latino writers and theoretical approaches relevant to studying that literature. Emphases may vary in different sections.
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
A study of the representations of gender in literature to better understand changing literary aesthetics. Discusses assumptions about the ways gender permeates language and discourse.
ANY FOUR of the following:
Prerequisite: ENG 102
An exploration of the ways in which popular media represents our diverse and dynamic culture. The course focuses particularly on images and narratives of race and gender on television, in the movies and in popular culture. It also examines the cultural forces that influence how such representations are produced and perceived, their political and behavioral consequences, and various methods for analyzing and critiquing popular media.
Prerequisite: ENG 201
An intermediate course in writing fiction. Students will build on principles learned in ENG201, focusing on developing compelling and original fiction. Students will also discuss the importance of revision, and engage in thorough critiques of each other’s original work.
Prerequisite: ENG 202
An intermediate workshop in poetry. Students will compose their own original poems and continue the study of the craft of poetry, focusing on the modern tradition.
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Analysis of Modern English structure using the methods of traditional grammar. Topics studied: parts of speech, grammatical functions, phrase, clause, and sentence types, and nominal and verbal categories. Nature and usefulness of prescriptive rules of grammar. How to teach traditional grammar as presented in the secondary English curriculum. Instruction will encourage students to demonstrate critical understanding of traditional grammar, of contemporary syntactic analysis, and of the strengths and weaknesses of those systems in secondary education.
Prerequisite: ENG 102
An introduction to contemporary linguistics. Covers the phonology, morphology and syntax of the English language with an emphasis on language acquisition as related to the developmental stages of childhood. The course is especially designed for students intending to teach elementary school students.
Prerequisite: ENG 102; ENG 240, or ENG 334A
An advanced course for students interested in using writing as a means of exploring the natural world. This course surveys nature writing in its various forms (essays, articles, poetry, journals, etc.) as well as effective nature writing strategies. This course is designed to give students a basis for future personal creative work.
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
An examination of mythology. This course recognizes that myth-making is a creative activity central to all cultures, including our own society. Students analyze and compare mythological narratives from a variety of cultures.
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
Provides students with a foundation for teaching children to read and learn through reading. Students learn to identify the stages in reading development, select appropriate literary texts for diverse learners at each stage, analyze children’s literary texts, and assess the literacy and language development of young learners.
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
Study of contemporary literary works from diverse cultures outside the Anglo-American literary tradition.
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of 8 upper-division LIT courses
This course is designed as the culmination of the English B. A. program. Students will bring the skills in literary study, analysis, research and writing learned in the program to bear on an original work of literary scholarship. Students will also be given the opportunity to revisit and revise several papers written in previous classes in the major. This course is an eight-week Practicum. Grading is H, S, or U only.
Undergraduate Credential Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential
In order to complete the Single Subject Teaching Credential requirements students must complete 14 courses, 58.5 quarter units.
Introductory Core Requirement
- 1 course; 4.5 quarter units
Course Name
BA credential program requirements; K-12 school and classroom experiences; and observational skills in K-12 classrooms. Principles sustaining an inspired teacher mindset. Electronic showcase reflecting professional growth throughout the program. Grading is S, U or In Progress (IP).
Students must complete ITL400 and credential packet prior to beginning ITL402.
Foundation Courses
- 4 courses; 18 quarter units
Course Name
Prerequisite: ITL 400 and Students must complete the credential packet.
Examines historical, socio-political, cultural, and economic influences, as well as technological and other innovations on the evolution of education in the U.S. and globally. Considers the impact of legal mandates and other influential factors on the profession; identifies necessary knowledge, skills, and dispositions of an inspired professional educator.
Prerequisite: ITL 402
Examines psychological, socio-cultural, linguistic, and other factors influencing development, learning, and the full range of learners, including English Learners, standard-English learners, students with exceptionalities, and students with other needs. Considers a variety of data to identify appropriate strategies and community-based resources to support all learners and their families.
Prerequisite: ITL 404
Examines theories and research regarding typical and atypical child and adolescent development and learning. Considers various data collection and assessment techniques which guide the selection of effective instructional strategies, practices, resources, and technologies to create environments that support the full range of learners and provide equitable access to the curriculum.
Prerequisite: ITL 406
Candidates integrate principles of learning theories and factors influencing human development when designing instruction and evaluating instructional effectiveness. Candidates will utilize a four-stage cyclical model of planning, teaching, analyzing and reflecting in the process of learning-and-teaching to ensure all students equitable access to the curriculum.
Single Subject Credential Methods
- 5 courses; 22.5 quarter units
PRIOR to beginning any of the Single Subject Credential Area Method courses below, the candidate must successfully complete all Foundation courses, meet Basic Skills Requirements, and meet any other related program requirements.
Course Name
Single subject teacher candidates utilize research-based methods aligned with CA’s Common Core Standards and ELA/ELD frameworks. Applies principles and strategies needed to teach grades 9-12 content-based language/literacy instruction for English speakers, English learners, Standard English learners, and students with exceptionalities and other learning needs.
Prerequisite: ITL 520
Single subject teacher candidates utilize research-based methods aligned with CA’s Common Core Standards and ELA/ELD frameworks to teach content-based instruction based on the language proficiency and literacy needs of English speakers, English learners, Standard English learners, and students with exceptionalities and other learning needs needed to sustain academic achievement.
Prerequisite: ITL 522
Instructional design principles for teaching in grades 7-12. Strategies for designing short and long-term curriculum/instruction/assessment aligned with content standards. Evidence-based research appropriate for the application the CA Common Core and academic standards across the various single subject content areas.
Prerequisite: ITL 526
Integrative instructional design models, approaches, and research in designated content areas. Analysis and reflection focused on teaching practices and beliefs. Learning Map design and implementation principles.
Research-based strategies and models managing an equitable and inclusive K-12 learning environments. Social-emotional growth, development, and individual responsibility. Positive interventions and supports, restorative justice, and conflict resolution practices. Prevention of common classroom problems. Effectively work with challenging students. Establishment of safe classroom and school environments to prevent bullying.
Student Teaching Requirements
- 4 courses; 13.5 quarter units
PRIOR to beginning any of the student teaching courses below, the candidate must successfully complete all Foundation, Single Subject Credential Area Method, and upper division courses, meet Basic Skills Requirement, and submit a complete student teaching application. The student teaching application process must be completed at least three-months prior to the candidate’s intended start of student teaching. Student teaching placements in K12 classrooms are made through a collaborative partnership of the university and respective school district. The student teaching placements must align to the CSET credential sought. Student teaching is unpaid and composed of at least 600 instructional hours (16-18 weeks of full-time student teaching) in designated K12 classrooms. Note: The two seminar courses, below, ITL 551A and ITL 551B, are 2.25 quarter units each and will be taken concurrently with ITL 550A and ITL 550B, respectively.
Course Name
Corequisite: ITL 551A
First half (8-9 weeks) of student teaching experience. Establishment of 300 of 600 total hours. Clinical practice placement in a district-university approved California K-12 classroom corresponding to the designated CSET area. Six Teaching Performance Experience (TPE) domains composed of 45 new TPE elements. Grading is S, U or In Progress (IP).
Corequisite: ITL 550A
Seminar concurrently taken with ITL 550A, Student Teaching A. Six Teaching Performance Expectation (TPEs) domains composed of 45 TPE elements. CalTPA Cycle 1. Grading is S, U or In Progress (IP).
Corequisite: ITL 551B; Prerequisite: ITL 550A
Second half (8-9 weeks) of student teaching experience. Establishment of 300 of 600 total hours. Clinical practice placement in a district-university approved California K-12 classroom corresponding to the designated CSET area. Six Teaching Performance Experience (TPE) domains composed of 45 new TPE elements. Grading is S, U or In Progress (IP).
Corequisite: ITL 550B; Prerequisite: ITL 551A
Seminar concurrently taken with ITL 550B, Student Teaching B. Six Teaching Performance Expectation (TPEs) domains composed of 45 TPE elements. CalTPA Cycle 2.
Degree and Course Requirements
To receive a Bachelor of Arts in English with Single Subject Matter Preparation and Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential (California), candidates must complete at least 180 quarter units as articulated below, 45 of which must be completed in residence at National University, 76.5 of which must be completed at the upper division level, and a minimum of 69 units of the university General Education. In the absence of transfer credit, additional general electives may be necessary to satisfy total units for the degree. The following courses are specific degree requirements. All students receiving an undergraduate degree in Nevada are required by State Law to complete a course in Nevada Constitution.
English Program Learning Outcomes:
- Knowledgeably discuss major writers, works, movements, and periods of the British and American literary traditions.
- Apply close reading skills to analyze literary and other texts.
- Critically examine the relevance of variables of human diversity such as race, ethnicity, gender, class, and sexuality to the understanding and cultural significance of literature.
- Apply relevant cultural and historical information in the analysis of literary texts.
- Critically evaluate the assumptions and implications of major critical approaches to literature.
- Analyze the significance of genre conventions to the meanings and effects of literary works.
- Explain and defend their own criteria for evaluating works of literature.
- Collaborate with others to develop more complicated interpretations or arguments.
- Compose sophisticated written arguments about works of literature, incorporating appropriate close reading, research, and writing skills.
Teaching Credential Program Learning Outcomes:
- Integrate the knowledge needed for engaging/supporting all K12 learners, including those with diverse learning needs.
- Integrate the knowledge needed for creating/maintaining effective learning environments for all K12 learners, including those with diverse learning needs.
- Integrate the knowledge needed for making subject matter comprehensible for all K12 learners, including those with diverse learning needs.
- Integrate the knowledge needed for designing/planning learning experiences for all K12 learners, including those with diverse learning needs.
- Integrate the knowledge needed for assessing all K12 learners, including those with diverse learning needs.
- Integrate the knowledge needed for being a legal, ethical, and professional educator for all K12 learners, including those with diverse learning needs.
- Reflect critically about the application of the inspired teaching and learning principles.
Hear From Our Faculty
“This program allows you to earn a Bachelor’s degree in English and the California Single Subject Credential within a single undergraduate program. The English curriculum is designed for future teachers, and courses involve lots of interaction with faculty and with classmates pursuing the same career goal.”
-John Miller, Faculty Advisor for the Major in English Programs
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Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
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