English, M.A.

Master of Arts in English/Master of Arts in Teaching English

Graduate Program Chair

Chola Chisunka, PhD

Graduate Committee

Program Description

The English Department offers two graduate degrees in English, the master of arts in English and the master of arts in teaching English.

The Master of Arts in English (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. A joint MA program with the History Department allows students to specialize in the history and literature of women and develop expertise in the interdisciplinary field of women’s studies.

The Master of Arts in Teaching English (MAT) Program is designed to develop the scholar-teacher by providing a strong specialization in the traditional and newer canons of literature in English with the theories and methodologies for teaching English in the middle and secondary schools. A licensure track within this program leads to professional licensure as a teacher of English at the secondary level.

Program Objectives

The Master of Arts in English (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, and
• Explore major literary theories and the history of English as a discipline

The Gender Studies track of the Masters of Arts in English 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.

The Master of Arts in Teaching English (MAT) Program is designed to develop the scholar-teacher by providing a strong background in English and skills for the complex process of teaching English. The master of arts in teaching English program is designed for students interested in studying the theories, methodologies, and materials for teaching English in the middle and secondary schools in addition to broadening their knowledge of literature. The MAT program aims to:

• Bridge the gap between cutting-edge scholarship and classroom practice
• Suggest ways to integrate the voices of women and minorities into the traditional literary canon
• Enable practicing teachers to expand strategies for teaching writing through the use of process writing, collaborative writing and writing on the computer
• Enable practicing teachers to expand strategies for teaching literature through the application of current modes of criticism

MAT in English Licensure Program is designed to provide students with the necessary course work for professional licensure as teachers of English. Students not holding initial licensure take additional course work during their first semesters leading to that level of certification.

Admissions Standards and Criteria

To apply for enrollment in the Master of Arts in English or Master of Arts in Teaching English Program, a student must submit documents as outlined in the Graduate Admissions section as well as:

• An official transcript of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably with (but not limited to) a major or minor in English
• Applicants to the MAT in English must submit a copy of their initial teaching license. Applicants without initial licensure may be admitted to the program through the post-baccalaureate program and will be required to complete additional coursework leading to initial licensure.
• Applicants to the MAT in English must complete an essay of no more than one page in response to one of the following statements or questions:
  1. Tell us about a positive situation in which you helped a person and made a significant difference in that person’s life.
  2. What are the most important factors in establishing a long-term working relationship with students, friends, etc.?
  3. Tell us about a significant event that involved you in a teaching or helping role.• Describe the situation as it occurred at the time.
     • What did you do in that particular situation?
     • How did you feel about the situation at the time you were experiencing it?
     • How do you feel about the situation now?
     • What would you change, if anything?

For more information regarding licensure requirements for teacher preparation programs, contact the Educator Licensure Office at 978-665-3239 or visit their Web site at www.fitchburgstate.edu/edunit.

MA Program of Study

Two courses in literary research and literary theory, either 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.

Gender Studies Track