English (MA) — The Program

Since its beginning in 1972, the program leading to the Master of Arts degree in English has continued to grow in enrollment, diversity, and reputation. Graduate students from many states and several foreign countries are currently enrolled. Some are preparing to teach, and others already are teachers in middle schools, secondary schools, and two-year colleges; some are writers; some are preparing for doctoral study; some are older people with careers and families who love the study of literature and writing. Matriculated students enroll for the degree; non-degree-seeking students may be admitted to specific courses.

The degree can be completed in four semesters of full-time study, but many current students attend part-time. Twenty different graduate seminars and four advanced creative writing workshops are offered each year during the fall and spring semesters; another two to four courses are offered in the summer session. The seminars are supplemented by occasional cross-listed courses in History and Applied Linguistics. All English seminars are small (usually 12 to 15 students). Most are scheduled for late-day hours, once or twice a week, to accommodate students’ work commitments. The atmosphere is informal and non-competitive. Matriculating students are each assigned a faculty advisor who meets with the student regularly to help guide his/her program of study.

Students may choose among three concentrations: literature, composition, or creative writing. The concentrations are designed to overlap, so that students may take some courses in each. ENGL 608: Introduction to Critical and Research Methods is highly recommended for those students in the literature or composition concentrations as an introductory core course. ENGL 609: Colloquium allows students to engage with presentations by a diverse array of faculty on research and creative work. Each semester’s course offerings include at least five seminars with an emphasis on literature, one or two with an emphasis on composition, three in creative writing, one or two in pedagogy, and one crossover course focusing on the study of language and/or critical theory. Special topics seminars (ENGL 697) provide flexibility in the curriculum. Recent and planned special topics seminars have included: The Language of Film; War, Politics, and Poetry; The Teaching of African-American Literature; Discourse Analysis.