Job Discussion Forums

[Thel]

Hi,

I'm going to pursue an MA in English Lit. both for the intrinsic gratification of delving into something I love; and because I'm interested in eventually air-peddling out of the quasi-suburban limbo within which my wife and I currently float. We are fairly set on Korea, and after reading through many of the posts on this board, I decided that a university post would be the most satisfying in terms of the relatively favourable pay/workload ratio. My question concerns credentials: is an MA in EFL or linguistics the prerequiste, or would an MA in literature suffice? Does university teaching involve an uber-in-depth understanding of linguistics? Several posts referring to grammatical terms and rules I've never heard of have left me a little daunted in respect to my own abilities as a master of the structural aspects of language. So...?

All and any thoughts are keenly appreciated.

Yrs,
Thel

[spiral78]

I cannot speak directly for Korea - things may be different there.
But I can generalize that an MA in English lit is not the most desirable qualification for uni level English-as-a-Second/Foreign Language posts in North America or Europe.
Obviously, lit studies do not focus on teaching methodologies, nor on how languages are learned and taught.

I have one colleague in my current university with an MA and a Phd in lit - and this is one of the weakest teachers on the team, acknowledged by all. We also have a colleague with an MA in English (language, not teaching) who is the second weakest. Quite honestly, people with teaching qualifications fare better when the focus is on teaching. That's why applied linguistics or TESL/TEFL qualifications are more desirable at uni level.

[eslstudies]

A BA in Eng Lit, then a PGC, Diploma or Masters in TESOL would set you up nicely, particularly for Asia. The places that pay best also have the highest cost of living, as you'd expect.
The TESOL component delivers a nice balance of theory and practice to tackle the classroom.

[spiral78]

I agree, but the OP is talking about an MA in English lit, not a BA.

[Thel]

Spiral 78:

Thanks for the honest feedback. It makes sense that an applied linguistics program would best suit TEFL, but I wanted some confirmation because I'd read of some MAs in unrelated fields (physics, for instance) attaining plum university positions. There will always be exceptions, but I'm guessing that you're making a general point I'd do well to consider.

Thanks again.

Thel


eslstudies,

In light of Spiral 78's reply, yours strikes me as an appealing alternative to the MA in lit. The conflict arises from my genuine interest in lit., coupled with a desire to teach abroad. Were I patient, I'd think of getting both the MA lit. and, rather than the MA linguistics/TEFL, a diploma. Canada proves a bit of a stickler, though, when it comes to entering grad level studies of linguistics from a non-linguistic BA background. My impression by now is that Americans and Britons get a sounder linguistic background during the course of their compulsory schooling than do Canadians; and are consequently better prepared to seamlessly enter grad school linguistics. Just a feeling, but I wonder if it isn't true. Anyway, thank you for the advice.

Thel

[Glenski]

[Thel]

[Glenski]

I have a master's in science degree and a bachelor's of science degree, neither of which are connected to teaching, but I got a university job teaching English. My case is pretty unusual, though. The school is a rare one that actually wanted someone with such degrees plus experience teaching English in Japan. Usually, you need a master's degree related to teaching (eg, linguistics major).

[Thel]

Hey, Glenski,

Yeah, from what Spiral 78 said I took this to be the case. Lesson: exceptions happen but don't count on them. Let me ask since I'm here (and I hope anyone with info can pipe in): if I mastered in lit., then went through the CELTA program, would that put me in a position to seek uni jobs? I know you're area is Japan, Glenski, so I'm reaching out to all and any.

Thanks,
Thel

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

[Thel]

GambateBingBangBoom,

What a great post! Thanks for information. The comparison between American grad studies and Canadian ones was really interesting. Had no idea. This explains why I would hear/read/see American BAs in anything get into grad studies in completely unrelated fields; that always puzzled me.

I'm especially grateful for the list of ling. certificates. I happen to be in Ontario, and now feel more encouraged to pursue the course I'd been considering (MA lit., ling. certificate/diploma). Excellent. I hadn't realized that certificates or diplomas could be broached without prior training in the disciplines--I always only considered the MA.

Here's to you,
Thel

[Thel]

Hi Gambate,

Just wanted to thank you again. I went through the certificate specifications of each school and they all sound ideally suited for my needs. The timing is an added bonus, because I can segue into the MA lit. at the tail end of the certificate program. Hopefully, two and a half years hence we'll be reporting back to this forum bitterly complaining about Korea while secretly feeling sweet serenity about not living back in O Canada

Blake's Thel

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

No problem. You're welcome.

[Glenski]

Thel wrote:

[GambateBingBangBOOM]