English Studies, M.A.

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Master of Arts in English Studies

Graduate Program Chair

Chola Chisunka, PhD

Graduate Committee

Lisa Gim, PhD	Irene Martyniuk, PhD
Patrice Gray, PhD	Joseph Moser, PhD
Michael Hoberman, PhD	Thomas Murray, PhD
Aruna Krishnamurthy, PhD	Benjamin Railton, PhD
Frank Mabee, PhD	Kisha Tracy, PhD

The Master of Arts in English Studies (MA) Program provides specialization in the study of the traditional and newer canons of literature, literary theories, and research writing. The MA is designed for students pursuing careers in literature, writing, research, and community college or college teaching. It provides a background for students planning to go on to a doctorate program.

Program Objectives

The Master of Arts in English Studies (MA) Program is designed to train students to understand and employ a variety of strategies in literature, research, writing, and teaching. The master of arts program aims to:

Promote graduate-level scholarship in the study of literature
Encourage the development of a wide range of literary knowledge, including a global perspective
Provide a wide range of courses, from Medieval Literature and Shakespeare’s Major Plays to 20th Century Women’s Fiction and Africa Through the Novel
Polish and expand writing style and techniques
Explore major literary theories and the history of English as a discipline

The Gender Studies concentration of the Masters of Arts in English Studies program is designed to prepare teachers, researchers, writers, and museum curators in an interdisciplinary area within the field of gender studies. It aims to provide students with the academic foundation needed to pursue doctoral work in gender studies.

Admissions Standards and Criteria

To apply for enrollment in the Master of Arts in English Studies, a student must submit documents as outlined in the Graduate Admissions section.

MA Program of Study

The MA program of study typically includes two courses in literary research and literary theory, seven or eight 9000-level courses across a range of American, British, & World Literature, Rhetoric and Writing, and a capstone experience (Master’s Thesis or Graduate English Exit Exam) are required for a total of 33 semester hours.

Required for all MA students:

ENGL 8050 - Advanced Research in English Studies 3 cr.
ENGL 9000 - Literary Theory: Practical Applications for Today’s Readers 3 cr.
Seven or nine 9000-level courses across a range of American, British, and World Literature (must have advisor approval). Students choosing the thesis option will need seven 9000-level courses, and students choosing the English exit exam will need nine 9000-level courses. 21 or 27 cr.

Capstone: Students choose one of two options.

Master’s Thesis Capstone. Students apply, and subject to the approval of the English Graduate Advisor and Committee, write a 6-credit master’s thesis.

ENGL 9100 - Master’s Thesis Research 3 cr. and
ENGL 9200 - Master’s Thesis Writing 3 cr. or
Graduate English Exit Exam 0 cr.

Total for Degree 33 cr.

Gender Studies Concentration

Required Core

ENGL 8050 - Advanced Research in English Studies 3 cr.
ENGL 9XXX - Independent Study in Gender Studies 3cr. or
ENGL 9000 - Literary Theory: Practical Applications for Today’s Readers 3 cr. (60% emphasis on Gender)

Gender Studies Courses

Four courses in the Literature of Gender (Must be selected from the English Graduate Curriculum) 12 cr.
Three Gender Based Courses (Should be selected from other graduate programs) 9 cr.

Capstone

Master’s Thesis Capstone. Students apply, and subject to the approval of the English Graduate Advisor and Committee, write a 6-credit master’s thesis.

ENGL 9100 - Master’s Thesis Research 3 cr.
and
ENGL 9200 - Master’s Thesis Writing 3 cr.