Summary description: This course-based M.A., which exists alongside our traditional M.A. research track, is geared towards teachers and people interested in pursuing teaching as a profession. The M.A. teaching track requires the same admissions process as the M.A. research track. This track encourages breadth of knowledge rather than depth, preparing graduates to offer courses in a wide range of topics.
Specialized Degree Requirements: Because of its focus on breadth and classroom preparation, the M.A. teaching track has three distinct requirements. First, candidates will take at least two graduate “trailers” during their first year in the program. For a “trailer,” M.A. candidates attend undergraduate courses along with B.A. students while completing specialized graduate assignments, provided by the faculty instructor, designed to build topical and classroom competency. One of the “trailers” must be in the student’s chosen geographical concentration; the other must be in a subject area outside of the student’s chosen focus. By the end of the second year in the program, students must take at least one graduate seminar in a third subject area. Second, students will run a discussion section of a UFO AMH 2020 (US History since 1877 online) class during the second year of the program. Finally, during the final semester in the M.A. teaching track, students will prepare and deliver a class lecture, having worked in close coordination with the members of their committee. `
Examination: The M.A. teaching track will require a committee of three faculty members. As they near completion of their graduate coursework, students must fulfill two final objectives. First, they must pass an Oral Exam based on readings conducted during their coursework. Students will also be required to design three separate courses or unit plans relevant to courses they have taken at UF, which would include, at a minimum, a detailed description and rationale, lesson plans, and explanation of evaluation or grading method. One course or unit plan must be developed in close consultation with the student’s advisor; two others must be developed with two other committee members who must be historians.
Extracurricular requirements: In the Spring semester of year two, the student is required to prepare and deliver a class lecture, having worked in close coordination with the members of their committee. In the second year of the program, the student will be assigned to run a discussion section of a UFO AMH 2020 (US History since 1877 online) class.