Program of Study

Program of Study

Students are required to have the permission of the instructor to enroll in all English 600-level courses.  The sequence of courses normally taken by master’s degree candidates consists of:

First Year

Fall Semester:

ENGL 600 — Introduction to Graduate Studies

One elective

Spring Semester:

Two electives

Summer:

Optional elective

Electives are chosen from among the 600-level English courses, courses on language in translation, appropriate courses in history or the social sciences, humanities courses (philosophy, religion, history, comparative humanities, classics or art history), or modern language literature courses. Graduate students in English may enroll in no more than two independent study (ENGL 619) courses without special written permission from the Graduate Committee and should propose independent study only if the material they wish to cover is not available in regularly offered seminars.

Second Year:

Fall semester:

ENGL 678 — Thesis Workshop: a course on the formulation of a thesis proposal, development of a bibliography, and the writing of a scholarly thesis OR a seminar in Creative Writing for those writing creative theses

A course in contemporary literary theory or a genre or a period course

Spring semester:

ENGL 680 — Thesis Writing Credit

One elective (see First Year elective options)

Thesis/Exam:

A thesis (typically 60-80 pages, including notes and bibliography; critical, creative, or theoretical) is required. A thesis proposal, developed with the approval of the adviser, and submitted by the beginning of November.  The oral examination will be conducted by the thesis adviser, and at least two other members of the faculty (in English or another appropriate department).