Program Purpose

Full program information, including detailed descriptions of measures of student learning and current data generated by those measures is available on the College of Humanities assessment summary.

The M.A. in English and M.F.A. in Creative Writing programs are devoted to the development of reading, writing, and thinking abilities derived from studying and producing literary texts in English. Graduate students study these works in aesthetic, historical, religious, and other contexts, including the theoretical contexts the faculty brings to the courses they teach. The M.A. in English program is designed for students who plan to enter careers in teaching, editing, and writing those who desire an advanced liberal arts degree in preparation for careers in libraries or in public service those who plan to pursue doctoral study in English or a related field and those who wish to continue their studies for personal satisfaction. The M.F.A. in Creative Writing prepares students as scholars and creative writers for careers in teaching and writing, and while it is widely considered to be a terminal degree it can also qualify students interested in additional training to pursue a Ph.D. in Creative Writing.

Curricular Structure for the M.A. in English

Thirty-two hours, including:

• ENGL 600, Introduction to Graduate Studies (2 hours) (Introduction to trends in postgraduate curricula, ideology, pedagogy, and professional publication in English studies and to current scholarly interests and projects of graduate faculty)

Literature Emphasis:

Theory and Criticism (3 hours): one course selected from:

• ENGL 630, Theoretical Discourse
• ENGL 650, Studies in Literary Criticism

(Designed to provide intellectual tools for advanced study in literature)

Concentration requirement (12 hours): Four courses in a coherent plan of study from British literature, American literature, other literatures in English, folklore, or literary theory and criticism
(Designed to develop a sound knowledge of a particular area of literary studies)

Breadth requirement (3 hours): One course in rhetoric (other than ENGL 610), critical theory, or foreign language literature
(Designed to encourage an awareness extending beyond the area of concentration)

Electives (6 hours)
(Intended to allow for further concentration or diversification depending on individual goals)

Thesis (6 hours) on a topic demanding research, analysis, interpretation, and theoretical or methodological expertise
(Designed to provide experience in working independently under the direction of an adviser)

Oral examination on thesis, related course work in emphasis, and an approved reading list of writers or topics

Rhetoric Emphasis:

Concentration requirement (15 hours): two courses selected from:

• ENGL 612, History of Rhetoric
• ENGL 614, Theory of Rhetoric and Composition
• ENGL 616, Research in Rhetoric and Composition
• plus three additional courses in rhetoric and composition or in technical and professional communication

(Designed to provide a foundation understanding of rhetoric studies and to allow students to develop expertise in a particular area)

Breadth requirement (6 hours): Two courses in literature and critical theory, as approved
(Designed to encourage an awareness extending beyond the area of concentration)

Electives (3 hours)
(Designed to allow for further concentration or diversification depending on individual goals)

Thesis (6 hours): thesis, project, or portfolio
(Designed to provide experience in working independently under the direction of an adviser)

Oral examination on thesis, related course work, and relevant topics

Curricular Structure for the M.F.A. in Creative Writing

Thirty-two hours, including:

Required Courses (17 hours):

• ENGL 600, Introduction to Graduate Studies (2 hours) (Introduction to trends in postgraduate curricula, ideology, pedagogy, and professional publication in English studies and to current scholarly interests and projects of graduate faculty)
• English 617, Creative Writing Theory
• Three graduate-level writing workshops
• One additional workshop or course in a related field, by advisement

Electives (9 hours): Three graduate-level courses (up to 3 hours may be taken outside the English Department)
(Designed to allow for further concentration or diversification depending on individual goals)

Thesis (6 hours): original creative work with a critical introduction
(Designed to provide experience in working independently under the direction of an adviser)

Oral examination on the thesis and related topics

Expected Learning Outcomes

In pursuing its own expected learning outcomes, the graduate program will also continue to move forward the expected learning outcomes from the undergraduate major, albeit at a more advanced level.

1. M.A. in English and M.F.A. in Creative Writing graduates will have a familiarity with careers and professional responsibilities related to their respective specialties-- literature, rhetoric/composition, or creative writing.
2. M.A. in English and M.F.A. in Creative Writing graduates will be able to produce scholarly or creative work suitable for professional conference presentation and/or journal or other publication.
3. M.A. in English graduates in literature and rhetoric/composition will be able to produce and defend a thesis-length scholarly document that is 1) characterized by its clarity of organization and expression and 2) informed by its thorough research into primary, critical, and theoretical sources.
4. M.F.A. in Creative Writing graduates will be able to produce and defend a thesis-length creative document that is 1) characterized by its originality and excellence of expression and 2) informed by its critical introduction and/or afterward.
5. M.A. in English and M.F.A. in Creative Writing graduates will be able to engage, during a thesis defense, an intelligent, scholarly conversation in their specialties as informed by issues discussed in their graduate seminars and elsewhere in the discipline.
6. M.A. in English and M.F.A. in Creative Writing graduates who qualify as student instructors will have training and experience in teaching first-year college composition. A select few will also receive training and experience in teaching advanced composition and/or in assisting faculty members in teaching other courses. These graduates will be qualified to teach such courses at other colleges and universities.