Department of English Language and Literature
Russell Reising, Chairperson
Thomas Barden, Graduate Adviser
Requirements for the Master's Programs
M.A. in Literature
The M.A. Degree can include either 30 or 36 hours of course work.
Students working toward the Master of Arts degree must satisfy these specific requirements: (a) The course work shall include ENGL 5100; either 5110, 5120, or 5150; two seminars (excluding instructional seminars); 5790; and one course to be prescribed by the adviser. Students who have completed any of the above required courses or their equivalent before admission to the Graduate School may petition the graduate adviser in the Department of English Language and Literature for substitutions; (b) Of the remaining 12 hours of course work for the degree, a maximum of two courses may be chosen from courses in other departments in the humanities or social sciences as approved by the graduate adviser. Students may count up to one creative writing course and up to one independent study course toward this degree; (c) Candidates must demonstrate reading proficiency in one foreign language by passing an examination administered by the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature; (d) Candidates also must elect one of the following options: (1) either pass a written examination based on 32 texts chosen from the Department's M.A. Examination list according to the regulations governing the M.A. Examination and submit a paper applying scholarly techniques to a literary work of their choice, or (2) take 6 additional hours of literature courses including at least one additional seminar (excluding instructional seminars).
M.A. in English as a Second Language
The M.A. in E.S.L. includes 35 hours of course work.
Students working toward the Master of Arts degree with concentration in E.S.L. must satisfy these specific requirements: (a) The course work shall include ENGL 5100, ENGL 5150, ENGL 6150 and 6160, ENGL 6170, ENGL 6060, and one course to be prescribed by the adviser; (b) The remaining 12 hours required for the degree must include CI 5430, ENGL 5190, and an additional 6 hours (including no more than one additional course outside of English and Linguistics) as approved by the graduate adviser. Students who have completed any of the above required courses or their equivalent before their admission to the Graduate School may petition the graduate adviser in the Department of English Language and Literature for substitutions. Students may count up to one independent study course toward the degree; (c) Candidates must demonstrate reading proficiency in one foreign language by passing an examination administered by the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature; d) Candidates must also complete a thesis (ENGL 6960, 3 hours).
M.A. and Ed. Degree in Literature
The Master of Arts and Education in Literature degree can include either 30 or 36 hours of course work.
The literature program has the following requirements: (a) A minimum of 18 hours shall include ENGL 5100; either 5110, 5120, or 5150; and two seminars (excluding instructional seminars); (b) Candidates must pass a written examination based on a list of 17 British and American literary works and submit either a paper applying scholarly and critical techniques to a literary work of their choice or a project in education. As an alternative to the examination and paper, they may choose to take 6 additional hours of literature courses including at least one seminar (excluding instructional seminars). They also must satisfy the requirements specified by the College of Educational and Allied Professions.
M.A. and Ed. Degree in English as a Second Language (E.S.L.)
The M.A. and Ed. Degree in E.S.L. includes from 32 to 34 hours of course work.
The English as a Second Language program requires the following: (a) A minimum of 10 hours in linguistics, including ENGL 5150, 5190, 6150, and 6160. (If any of these were taken on the undergraduate level, appropriate courses may be substituted in consultation with the graduate studies adviser); (b) A minimum of 9 hours in ESL which must include ENGL 6170, 6060, and CI 5430; (c) A thesis or project (2-3 hours); (d) Reading proficiency in one foreign language as required by the Master of Arts degree. Students also must satisfy the requirements specified by the College of Education and Allied Professions.
Students should obtain from the Department of English Language and Literature the appropriate information pamphlet which describes in detail departmental regulations and procedures for the M.A. or the M.A. and Ed. degree, and includes the readings lists.