Mar 28, 2024  
Fitchburg State University 2017-2018 Graduate Catalog 
    
Fitchburg State University 2017-2018 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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 nine 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:


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.

Total for Degree 33 cr.


Gender Studies Concentration


Required Core


Gender Studies Courses


  • Four courses in the Literature of Gender (Must be selected from the English Graduate Curriculum) 12 cr.
  • Three Gender Based Courses (Courses can be selected from other graduate programs with approval of Graduate Advisor) 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.

Total for Degree 33 cr.


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