M.A., Language, Literacy, and Culture

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Studies in Language, Literacy, and Culture (LLC) center on promoting equity and honoring socio-cultural and linguistic diversity; transforming schools and other educational spaces; supporting teachers as learners across their careers; and fostering promising social futures for all youth. To accomplish these aims, we focus on the most fundamental human tool and resource, language. We consider the importance of the aesthetic as well the functional. Besides using language as a lens for understanding, we also consider other pivotal ways that humans learn, communicate, and create through a variety of symbolic systems: from visual images to digital media to dance. Especially in an increasingly digital world, we feel it is necessary to explore how these symbol systems often work in combination as we create and communicate. Through these lenses, we investigate such issues as equity across race, ethnicity, gender, and social class; youth culture; migration and immigration; globalization; and home, school, and community interactions. Interweaving theory and practice, we are interested in these issues as they impact learning and language development, teaching and teacher education, and school and public policy.

The M.A. is for students wishing to explore the various areas of specialization within LLC. Students take courses that cover the basic concepts and theories in language and literacy education as well as courses for their area of specialization. The M.A. degree includes a number of specializations, among them reading, writing, literature, education of language minority students, urban education, and Cultural Studies of Sport in Education.

For further information about the M.A. program, contact the program assistant, llc_info@lists.berkeley.edu