Diploma in Language and Literacy Education

The ladderized Diploma and Master of Arts in Language and Literacy Education programs are designed to upgrade and update language and literacy professionals, which include literacy teachers, trainers, administrators, curriculum developers, textbooks writers, learning resource designers, and researchers. The programs provide a strong foundation in language and literacy education, a field of study that brings together knowledge of literacy and language arts (including oral and written communication, reading, second language learning, and literacy practices in diverse contexts) from various disciplines (such as cognitive psychology, linguistics, anthropology and literary and cultural studies).

Objectives

The DLLE program aims to develop more qualified and highly-trained language and literacy professionals at all levels who are able to:

1. Understand the theoretical and evidence-based foundations of language and literacy processes and instruction;
2. Design and develop theoretically grounded and research-based materials, instructional approaches, and curricula for language and literacy learning;
3. Organize and implement integrated, balanced and comprehensive language and literacy programs; and
4. Assess and evaluate processes and outcomes of language and literacy instruction through a variety of tools and practices.

In addition to these goals, the MA program aims to develop more qualified and highly-trained language and literacy professionals at all levels who are able to:

1. Participate in broader policy, regulatory, and social discourses in relation to language and literacy education;
2. Contribute to the body of research in language and literacy instruction; and
3. Demonstrate and facilitate professional learning and leadership in language and literacy

Mode of Instruction

All courses are taught online (on UPOU’S virtual learning environment) following the principles of guided independent study and collaborative inquiry. Students are expected to have intermediate computer and Internet skills.

The minimum load per semester is 3 units (equivalent to one course) and the maximum load is 6 units. A student who feels that enrolling the maximum load is not feasible for him/her may opt to enroll the minimum load. All students are expected to enroll every semester (whether the minimum or the maximum load), unless they are on an approved leave of absence from the University.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized tertiary or higher education institution.

All students are admitted to the Diploma program. Students interested in proceeding to the MA program should

1. Complete all courses for the Diploma program with a GWA of 2.0 or better,
2. Apply to the MA program, and
3. Pass the qualifying exam for the MA program.

Curriculum

All courses listed below are 3-unit courses unless otherwise specified.