The graduate committee of the department requires its master's candidates to follow a course of advanced study that leads to a comprehensive knowledge of English and American literature. Candidates are also given training in the principles of literary criticism and in the use of bibliographic tools so that they will have a general competence in criticism and research.
Degree Programs
There are three programs leading to the degree. Plan A, a 33-hour non-thesis program that emphasizes literature, composition and pedagogy, is especially designed for teachers. Plan B, a 30-hour program that requires the student to submit a master’s thesis, places more emphasis on research, scholarly writing and the independent study of literature. Plan C, a 33-hour non-thesis program, emphasizes advanced study of literature through coursework alone.
Plan A
Plan A requires the completion of 11 courses for a total of 33 credit hours distributed as follows: Introduction to Graduate Study in English; two major author(s), genre, or special topics classes; two courses from British Literature before 1900; one course in American literature before WWI; one course in 20th/21st century studies—British, American, or Anglophone; one course in composition theory, rhetoric, linguistics, or pedagogy; and three elective classes in Linguistics, Literature, Composition Theory, Rhetoric, or methods of teaching English. A master’s thesis is not required.
Plan B
Plan B requires the completion of 9 courses and a master’s thesis for a total of 30 credit hours distributed as follows: Introduction to Graduate Study in English; two major author(s), genre, or special topics classes; two courses from British Literature before 1900; one course in American literature before WWI; one course in 20th/21st century studies—British, American, or Anglophone; two elective classes in linguistics, literature, or methods of teaching English; and a master’s thesis.
Plan C
Plan C requires the completion of 11 courses for a total of 33 credit hours distributed as follows: Introduction to Graduate Study in English; two major author(s), genre, or special topics classes; two courses from British Literature before 1900; one course in American literature before WWI; one course in 20th / 21st century studies—British, American, or Anglophone; and four elective classes in linguistics, literature, or methods of teaching English. A master's thesis is not required.
Each of the three plans requires that students take a comprehensive examination based on a standardized recommended reading list approved by the graduate studies committee. Plan B also requires an oral thesis defense.
Academic Advising
All Master of Arts candidates are advised by the Graduate Coordinator. The Coordinator and the student will establish a plan of study taking into account the student's interests and future vocational plans.