English, M.A.

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The Department of English offers three concentrations within the master of arts degree. A concentration consists of three courses chosen from among those designated by the department as belonging to that concentration, together with other courses to total 26 hours. The concentration insures coherence in each student’s graduate program; breadth is insured by a distribution of courses. Much of each student’s program is taken in courses outside the concentration. Seminars will usually include students from all concentrations.

Plan A (Thesis)

Literary Studies. Working from a variety of perspectives, this concentration focuses on the study of literature and of other culturally significant texts and materials, including, for example, film, oral materials, and political documents.

Rhetoric, Composition, and Writing Studies. This concentration emphasizes scholarship on the production of discourse, broadly conceived, and may include a focus on classical, contemporary, or cultural rhetoric; post-secondary writing pedagogy and program administration; community and adult literacy; or other subjects related to the field of writing studies.

Public Humanities. Designed for students who wish to pursue professions that may span beyond traditional academic work, this concentration prepares graduates for careers in civic, nonprofit, and community-based cultural organizations that engage the humanities, contribute to social reform, and promote the public good.

26 hours of coursework and a thesis for 4 additional hours (ENGL 5960 and ENGL 5965 ).

A reading exam and oral thesis defense. Students may write a traditional thesis, or they may assemble a public-facing thesis portfolio. See program website for more details about thesis options.

With approval of the graduate adviser, a student may take a maximum of three hours credit outside the department.

All coursework must be at the 5000-level.

For information on the Plan B, consult with the program director.