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2009-2010 University Catalog
English, MA
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Banner Code: LA-MA-ENGL
This program of study is offered by the Department of English .
For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog. |
Application Requirements
In addition to fulfilling admission requirements for graduate study, applicants must submit one copy of a 1,500 to 2,000-word analytical writing sample and two letters of recommendation. For those applying in cultural studies, literature, professional writing and rhetoric, and the teaching of writing and literature, the writing sample should be an interpretive paper on a literary text. In addition to the writing sample, applicants must submit a goals statement of no more than 750 words. Applicants for the concentration in professional writing and rhetoric must also submit two copies of a 10- to 15-page portfolio of their nonfiction work such as a technical or business report, essay, term paper, editing project, or any other material reflecting interests and skills in nonfiction writing.
Applicants may submit scores from the GRE when they believe those scores will lead to a clearer representation of their qualifications. Those with undergraduate majors in disciplines other than English are encouraged to apply, but they may be required to make up deficiencies before entering the program. Degree Requirements
Students pursuing this degree must successfully complete 30 credits in graduate English courses in one of the following concentrations. Foreign Language Proficiency
Students in all concentrations must demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language by course work equivalent to Mason’s foreign language 210 or by passing a translation test administered by the department. ▲ Concentration in Cultural Studies (CULT)
Three required course (9 credits):
Two courses (6 credits) chosen from:
Note:
ENGL 685, 705, and 740 may be repeated once with permission of the director of graduate studies. Five courses (15 credits) of literature
Thesis option: (6 credits)
If thesis option is chosen, the 6 credits in thesis substitute for 6 credits of literature. ▲ Concentration in Linguistics (LING)
The linguistics concentration of the MA in English combines courses in linguistics with courses in some related area of language study, such as teaching English as a second language, bilingual education, or foreign language teaching. The course of study is designed to prepare students for teaching in one of these fields or for doctoral work. The certificate in teaching English as a second language can be earned concurrently. Students pursuing the linguistics concentration must successfully complete 30 graduate credits, distributed as follows, and demonstrate foreign language proficiency (see above). Six core courses (18 credits):
Four elective courses (12 credits)
In consultation with an advisor, chosen from courses that reflect one or more areas of language study. Electives can be in such areas as linguistics, the teaching of reading or writing, literary criticism, bilingual education, or a foreign language, and may include 6 credits of thesis. ▲ Concentration in Literature (LIT)
One required course (3 credits):
One course (3 credits) in critical theory, chosen from:
Eight courses (24 credits) in literature
A maximum of 6 credits of related study outside the department may substitute for the equivalent number of literature credits, with permission of the graduate director. Thesis option: (6 credits)
If thesis option is chosen, the 6 credits in thesis substitutes for 6 credits of literature. ▲ Concentration in Professional Writing and Rhetoric (PWR)
Two required courses (6 credits):
Two courses (6 credits) in professional writing and rhetoric
One course (3 credits) in writing, nonfiction, or professional writing and rhetoric
Three courses (9 credits) chosen from designated courses in literature and literary theory, linguistics, cultural studies,film and media studies, and folklore
Project or Thesis Option:
One elective course and 3 credits of project:
▲ Concentration in the Teaching of Writing and Literature (TWL)
One required course (3 credits):
Two courses (6 credits) in writing
Two courses (6 credits) in literature
One course (3 credits) in linguistics, usually:
Two courses (6 credits) in the teaching of writing and in the teaching of literature, usually:
One course (3 credits) in composition theory:
One elective course (3 credits) in literature or writing
Thesis option (6 credits):
A thesis may be arranged through the advisor and director of graduate studies in English; this option requires 6 credits and expands the degree program from 30 to 33 credits. |
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