MA Emphasis Descriptions

American Literature Emphasis

The emphasis in American Literature covers a wide variety of interests, including this sample of recent and upcoming graduate seminar topics: early American bestsellers; memory, trauma, and nostalgia in contemporary America; literary New York and aesthetic modernity; environmental humanities; “borderwaters” of American literature; fairy tales and their allied forms; contemporary African American literature, film adaptation (especially Poe’s influence on Alfred Hitchcock); early American disabilities; and translation studies. Such courses teach analytical skills that link periods, genres, theoretical frames, and cultures to the expanding functions of literature as an approach to understanding the American self, past and present.

Seminar offerings depend upon student interest as well as faculty expertise and availability. We cannot offer courses in all specialty areas at all times. However, we try to include major areas of emphasis in each two-year cycle, and we are open to suggestions. Prospective students should review graduate courses from recent years as well as projections for future courses as they contemplate possible programs of study.

British Literature Emphasis

British literature is a traditional strength of BYU’s English MA program, supported by accomplished faculty and substantial library resources. We understand “British” broadly, meaning that while we provide deep training in literature produced in the British Isles, some of us also teach literatures produced in the British Commonwealth or the former British Empire. Students find that our courses often blend the insular with the global in exciting ways. In addition to key figures, historical moments, and genres, our courses engage with important theoretical, methodological, and professional concerns, so they interest students across the sub-disciplines. Graduates in British literature find themselves enriched as thinkers, researchers, and writers. Several have gone on to pursue Ph.D. degrees in top programs, while others have successfully taken their training into other career tracks.

English Teaching Emphasis

English Teaching students deepen their disciplinary knowledge of literature, rhetoric, and composition. In addition, they study theoretical and research-based approaches to secondary English/language arts (especially writing, reading, adolescent literature, and digital literacies) in order to increase their mastery of pedagogy. Students work with faculty mentors to design a course of study that matches their research interests. During their time in the program, students may also take advantage of opportunities to work as writing instructors, teaching assistants, or research assistants. As they advance toward graduation, they are encouraged to present and publish their work. Ultimately, graduates are positioned to make important contributions in their schools and districts or, if they wish, to pursue doctoral study.

In addition to the standard requirements for the MA program, prospective English Teaching students must have at least one year of full-time secondary English teaching experience. Preference in applications will be given to those with more experience and those currently licensed to teach English/language arts.

Rhetoric and Composition Emphasis

Through advanced coursework and strong methodological and analytical training, students in the Rhetoric and Composition concentration develop a broader and deeper understanding of writing and rhetoric as concepts and practices. Students explore particular interests in rhetorical theory, cultural studies, writing pedagogy, and composition studies. Faculty mentors encourage students to present and publish their research.

Students who complete the rhetoric and composition emphasis develop teaching skills as they move through the MA program as writing instructors and teaching assistants. This program of study is ideal for students considering a career in post-secondary teaching or contemplating more advanced study of rhetoric and composition in preparation for academic careers.

Prospective students should review graduate courses from recent years as well as projections for future courses as they contemplate possible programs of study.