Graduate Program
Masters Programs
Literature
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in English and American Literature enables students to deepen their knowledge of literature through graduate work in different historical periods and genres; to devise theoretical and historical frameworks that enhance their comprehension of literary and cultural materials; and to complete individualized projects that best represent the particular strands within literary studies of most interest to them. Small seminars with outstanding teacher-scholars in all the major areas of literary study provide an excellent grounding in the contemporary practices of literary criticism, theoretical work, and historical scholarship.
To earn the degree, students must complete at least 20 hours of coursework in Literature. An introductory course in literary and cultural theory is also required. Students may choose either to write a thesis or to take a written examination to cap the degree. Both options include a final oral defense.
Almost all students admitted to the M.A. program in English and American Literature hold Graduate Assistantships, teaching two sections of first-year composition in the College Composition program during their first year in the program, and three during the second. During their first year, students also enroll in a full-year workshop that supports their classroom teaching experience and a two-credit introduction to issues of the profession required of new M.A. and Ph.D. students in all degree programs.
For those applicants who do not wish to be considered for a teaching assistantship, other assistantships are available: please click on Assistantships on the navigation bar to the right for further information.