Graduate Program
The Graduate Program in English is as exciting as the Undergraduate Program. We take great pride in preparing students for the work force or giving students the necessary background to continue their studies at the Ph.D. level. Students will have the chance to study with published scholars in various specializations and we encourage our graduate students to begin thinking like professionals. Graduate faculty research interests range from the traditional (e.g., Chaucer, Shakespeare) to the contemporary (e.g., women's studies, magic realism). Our students have a history of presenting scholarly papers at conferences, and our experience helps students prepare for those presentations. Read on to find out more about our program and the possibility of Teaching Assistantships.
Master of Arts DegreeThe Master of Arts program is designed to enhance skills in literature, language, research and critical thinking. It is offered for students who desire to teach, for those who want to pursue an advanced degree, and for those who wish a degree in liberal arts with English specialization. Applicants for the degree must complete 36 semester credit hours of work beyond the bachelor's degree, including at least 30 in English. Up to six semester credit hours may be in approved supporting electives, and up to three may be in approved 5000-level courses. English 6391 is required.
A written examination over a prescribed reading list is required of all students who have completed 24 semester credit hours of course work. Offered once on a specified date each long semester, the five-hour examination consists of three essay questions. Satisfactory responses to all three questions are required for graduation.
Admission RequirementsThe general requirements for admission to the Graduate School are listed on page 9-12 (of 2007-2009 catalog).
Financial Assistance
Academic scholarships covering tuition and fees are available to qualified graduate students. Graduate and Graduate and Teaching Assistantships, which can be combined with scholarships, provide both financial assistance and practical teaching experience to qualified students.
FacilitiesThe graduate student majoring in English relies heavily on the University library for study and research. Good collections in all areas of literature, especially American and British literature, provide important source materials for research. Primary sources are complemented by significant journal holdings. Graduate faculty research interests range from studies in popular American culture to seventeenth-century British prose.
The Department operates a Writing Center that provides laboratory experience for graduate students in teaching writing and reading skills to undergraduate students. The Center is equipped with microcomputers and a wide variety of software to assist instructors, most of whom are working one-on-one with developmental students.
The Department of English is housed in the Academic Building.
Graduate Courses
5361 English Grammar (3-0). A study of grammar, including grammatical forms and functions, sentence structure, and diagramming. Course meets concurrently with ENG 4361 but requires additional readings, papers, discussions, and/or presentations for graduate students.
• Prerequisite: Permission of graduate advisor and dean.
6301 British Literary History (3-0). A study of specific periods of British literature through a careful examination of related works. (May be repeated once for credit when topic varies.)
6306 British Fiction (3-0). A study of one or more major British fiction writers or of a related group of works. (May be repeated once for credit when topic varies.)
6307 British Poetry (3-0). A study of the techniques and significance of one or more British poets. (May be repeated once for credit when topic varies).
6310 Themes and Genres in Literature (3-0). A study of literary types or of significant themes. (May be repeated once for credit when topic varies.)
6331 American Literary History (3-0). A study of specific periods of American literature through a careful examination of related works. (May be repeated once for credit when topic varies.)
6333 American Poetry (3-0). A study of the techniques and significance of one or more American poets. (May be repeated once for credit when topic varies.)
6335 American Fiction (3-0). A study of one or more major American fiction writers or of a related group of works. (May be repeated once for credit when topic varies.)
6339 British Drama (3-0). A study of one or more British dramatists or of a related group of works. (May be repeated once for credit when topic varies.)
6341 American Drama (3-0). A study of one or more American dramatists or of a related group of works. (May be repeated once for credit when topic varies.)
6361 Language Studies (3-0). A study of the structure and history of the English Language. (May be repeated once for credit when topic varies.)
6363 Composition Studies (3-0). A study of one or more topics in composition. (May be repeated once for credit when topic varies.)
6364 Theory and Practice of Fiction Writing (3-0) A study of the theory and accepted practices of fiction and fiction writing. Writing assignments may include both critical essays and original fiction.
6365 Theory and Practice of Poetry Writing (3-0) A study of the theory and accepted practices of poetry and poetry writing. Writing assignments may include both critical essays and original poetry.
6366 Creative Writing Workshop (3-0) An intensive series of critique sessions for students' original creative work; also includes reading and discussion of modern and contemporary published works. Emphasis on fiction or poetry will be announced prior to registration period. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite for fiction writing workshop: English 6364; prerequisite for poetry writing workshop: English 6365.
6367 A Study of Literary Publishing and Editing (3-0) A concentrated study of the history and editorial practices of literary publications. Readings will include past and present samples from literary publications, and students will participate in hands-on editing projects throughout the semester.
6376 Practicum in College Composition Pedagogy (3-0). Introduction to composition pedagogy with emphasis on practices essential to teaching college-level English composition. Required of Teaching Assistants. Graded P/F.
6381 Special Topics (3-0). A study of selected topics in English. (May be repeated once for credit when topic varies.)
6391 Bibliography and Research Methods (3-0). A study of bibliographical guides, research methods, critical theory, and textual criticism.
6393 Research. A specialized course of individual research or directed reading. (May be repeated once for credit.) Prior approval of instructor and department head required.
6399 Thesis. A total of six hours required for thesis credit. This course must be repeated once. Students have the option of enrolling in English 6699 to fulfill the thesis requirement in one semester.
6699 Thesis. A total of six semester hours required for thesis credit. Students have the option of enrolling in English 6399 for two separate semesters to fulfill the six hour thesis requirement.
