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2010-2011 University Catalog
English, MA
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Banner Code: LA-MA-ENGL
Web: english.gmu.edu
This program of study is offered by the Department of English .
For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog. |
Application Requirements
Applicants to the MA in English must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Admission chapter of this catalog. They must also submit one copy of a 1,500 to 2,000-word analytical writing sample and two letters of recommendation. For those applying to the concentrations in cultural studies, literature, professional writing and rhetoric, or 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 gaps in their academic preparation before enrolling in the MA program. Degree Requirements
Students pursuing this degree must successfully complete 30 to 33 credits in one concentration as specified below and demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language. Foreign Language Proficiency
Students in all concentrations must demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language by course work equivalent to Mason’s foreign language course 210 or by passing a translation test administered by the department. ▲ Concentration in Cultural Studies (CULT)
Three required courses (9 credits):
Two courses (6 credits) chosen from:
ENGL 685, 705, and 740 may be repeated once with permission of the director of graduate studies. Three to five courses (9-15 credits) of literature
Thesis (6 credits) (optional)
Students who choose to do a thesis take 6 fewer 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. This 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. 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)
Two required courses (6 credits)
Must be taken in the first twelve credits of the degree. Another course in literary theory and criticism may substitute for ENGL 551 with prior written approval of the graduate director. Four to six courses (12-18 credits) of literature
Two elective courses (6 credits)
Elective courses taught within the English department may be taken without permission of the graduate director. A maximum of 6 credits of related study outside the department may substitute for the equivalent number of elective credits, with permission of the graduate director. Thesis (6 credits) (optional)
Students who choose to do a thesis take 6 fewer 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)
Students choose from designated courses in literature and literary theory, linguistics, cultural studies, film and media studies, and folklore. Contact department for list of designated courses. Project or Thesis (6 credits)
One elective course and three credits of project
Students who choose a project take one additional elective course of 3 credits. ▲ 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
Students usually fulfill this requirement by taking: Two courses (6 credits) in the teaching of writing and in the teaching of literature
Students usually fulfill this requirement by taking: One course (3 credits) in composition theory:
Up to one elective course (3 credits) in literature or writing
Students who choose to do a thesis will take thesis credits in place of this requirement. Thesis (6 credits) (optional)
Students may arrange to do a thesis through an advisor and the director of graduate studies in English. Students who pursue this option substitute 3 credits of thesis for the elective course (3 credits) in literature or writing. They must complete 33 (rather than 30) credits to receive their degree. Total: 30-33 credits
Most students complete 30 credits. Students in the concentration in the teaching of writing and literature who chose to do a thesis complete 33 credits. |
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