Additional Degree Requirements
English Literature MA with Thesis (Option A)
This option gives the student the opportunity to study English literature in a range of periods and subjects. Emphasis rests on the preparation of a thesis. In preparation for the thesis, a fully qualified candidate takes a minimum of twenty-one 600-level course credits. In these courses the student is trained in academic research methods, gains knowledge to interpret literary texts and assess scholarship in particular fields, and applies these skills in graduate research papers. A fully qualified candidate is required to take a minimum of six credits from any courses designated by the Graduate Committee as fulfilling the "Period" requirement, and a minimum of three credits from any courses designated as fulfilling the "Theory" requirement. This option requires the preparation of an annotated bibliography of approximately three thousand words (ENGL 693) preliminary to a research thesis of approximately ten thousand words (ENGL 694). The bibliography requires the approval of the Graduate Committee before a student is permitted to proceed with the research thesis. Both are supervised by a member of the department. The research thesis is assessed by the supervisor and one other member of the department.
English Literature MA with Thesis (Option B)
This option involves course work and intensive research on an original topic, approved by the Graduate Committee. In this option, a fully qualified candidate is required to take a minimum of 21 credits at the 600-level including a minimum of six credits from any courses designated by the Graduate Committee as fulfilling the "Period" requirement, and a minimum of three credits from any courses designated as fulfilling the "Theory" requirement. A candidate electing the thesis option must satisfy the Graduate Committee of the viability of the topic and secure a member of the department to supervise the thesis. The English Department cannot guarantee the availability of a supervisor on every possible topic. The candidate's thesis is orally defended. For specific information concerning thesis proposals a student should consult the departmental guidelines. University regulations regarding the thesis may be found in the thesis section of this calendar. For purposes of registration, this work is designated as ENGL 690 - Thesis.
Creative Writing MA with Thesis (Option C)
To elect this option a candidate must have applied specifically for the Creative Writing option. A fully qualified candidate takes a minimum of 12 600-level credits from the regular academic course offerings, and 12 course credits in creative writing drawn from courses numbered ENGL 670-674 (ENGL 670 and ENGL 671 are Creative Writing courses). Only six credits of creative writing workshop (from ENGL 672, 673 or 674) may be elected in any year. The Graduate Committee must approve a proposal for a creative writing thesis of book length. For purposes of registration, this work is designated as ENGL 692 - Creative Writing Thesis.
Creative Writing Option students may NOT substitute creative writing courses for any of the required 12 course credits of academic credits.
Note: In addition to the regulations governing the examination of master’s theses outlined in this calendar, the Department of English has specific procedures for thesis examinations. Students should consult the Graduate Program Director for details.
