The program features the advanced study of literature, theory,
pedagogy, and cultural studies. The program is designed both
for students seeking a terminal degree in English and for students
who intend to pursue doctoral work in English or graduate work in a
related discipline.
The program will prepare graduates to:
Demonstrate a highly developed knowledge
of leading theoretical and critical methodologies.
- Execute original analyses of various theoretical and critical,
schools in formal papers and oral presentations.
- Apply theory to literary and cultural texts in formal papers
and oral presentations.
Demonstrate a general knowledge of the
historical contexts for the study of literary and cultural
texts.
- Conduct original research regarding the historical conditions
of literary texts and present the findings in formal papers and
oral presentations.
- Critically evaluate and apply theoretical arguments to issues
of literary history and present the findings in formal papers and
oral presentations.
- Evaluate texts by means of historically grounded aesthetic
standards.
Articulate and develop relevant contexts
for the study of literature beyond historical contexts and
periods.
- Demonstrate awareness of the relation of American and English
literature to globalization and material culture.
- Demonstrate the relation of literary texts and methods to those
of other disciplines.
- Produce creative work that manifests an appreciation of the
process of writing literary texts.
Demonstrate high level of competence as a
researcher.
- Write a Master’s Thesis that manifests original research
- Demonstrate knowledge of what counts as a meaningful
contribution to the profession.
Develop a personal methodology as a
writer, critic, and researcher.
- Revise seminar papers, manifesting an appreciation of the
ongoing process of continuing research and writing.
- Present in portfolio essay a statement of critical or
theoretical methodology that is well-informed and applicable to
literary and cultural texts.