English (MA) Literature and English Studies

Summary

The degree provides students with a firm foundation in British, American, and World Literature with coursework in theory, teaching college-level literature, broader surveys, and specialized author, period, and genres courses. Electives are chosen from courses throughout the English department. The capstone project is an opportunity to shape a program to fit career goals. The program prepares students for teaching positions at the post-secondary level, particularly technical and community colleges, and provides a foundation for doctoral work in English and careers in the literary marketplaces. Students work with dedicated faculty who provide numerous opportunities for professional growth.
Catalog Year

2022-2023

Degree

Master of Arts

Major Credits

34

Total Credits

34

Locations

Mankato

Online

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Program Requirements

Common Core

The course focuses on the major writers, genres and periods in British literature with an emphasis on historical and critical trends in order to provide an analytical framework that will support subsequent work. Must be taken during the student's first year in the program.

Prerequisites: none

The course focuses on the major writers, genres and periods in American literature with an emphasis on historical and critical trends in order to provide an analytical framework that will support subsequent work. Must be taken during the student's first year in the program.

Prerequisites: none

Studies in selected national literature or in topics/periods of world literature. May be repeated with different subject matter.

Prerequisites: none

Advanced study of theories of literature and its production and use.

Prerequisites: none

Research/Methods Course(s)

This course introduces students to research methods and critical writing strategies for masters¿ level work. It also focuses on professional development and the creation of documents such as CVs, conference proposals, and annotated bibliographies. The course is required for all students in the following programs: MA Literature & English Studies, MA English Education, MA Literature and Composition, GC English Literature. Students are encouraged to take this course in the first semester, if possible.

Prerequisites: none

Restricted Electives

Choose 12 Credit(s).

Studies in selected authors in British, American, Multicultural, or World Literature. May be repeated with different subject matter.

Prerequisites: none

Study of works of Shakespeare, including comedies, histories, tragedies, tragic-comedies, and some shorter poetic works, including sonnets.

Prerequisites: none

Studies in topics/periods in British Literature to 1800. Emphasizes close readings of primary works, analysis of pertinent secondary works, detailed class discussion, and analytical writing. May be repeated with different subject matter.

Prerequisites: none

Studies in topics/periods in British Literature after 1800. Emphasizes close readings of primary works, analyzing pertinent secondary works, detailed class discussion, and analytical writing. May be repeated with different subject matter.

Prerequisites: none

Analysis of topics/periods in American Literature before 1865. Emphasizes close reading of primary works, analysis of pertinent secondary works, detailed class discussion, and analytical writing. May be repeated with different subject matter.

Prerequisites: none

Analysis of topics/periods in modern and contemporary American Literature, i.e. fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. Emphasizes close reading of primary works, analysis of pertinent secondary works, detailed class discussion, and analytical writing. May be repeated with different subject matter.

Prerequisites: none

Study of selected works about gender and gendered experiences up through the present with attention to gender and sexuality within cultural contexts. May be repeated with different subject matter.

Prerequisites: none

Studies in selected authors, topics, or periods of American multicultural literatures, particularly those of Native American, African American, Chicano/Latino American, and Asian American groups. Emphasizes close readings of primary works, analyzing secondary sources, and analytical writing. May be repeated with different subject matter.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to the major theories of the nature of composition and their pedagogical application.

Prerequisites: none

This course examines the teaching of literature across collegiate levels and is designed for English graduate students. It is both practical and theoretical, examining topics such as: the purposes for teaching literature and teaching critical thinking; pedagogical approaches for teaching literature; and designing syllabi, lesson plans, and assignments. We will explore these topics through a variety of texts and perspectives. Assignments will include creating syllabi and lesson plans, reviewing scholarship on a particular topic related to the teaching of literature, and a conference paper on some aspect of the teaching of literature.

Prerequisites: none

Topics of interest to the teacher or professional working in the field of children's and young adult literature. May be repeated with different subject matter.

Prerequisites: none

Unrestricted Electives

Choose 6 Credit(s).

Prerequisites: none

Capstone Course

Choose 1 Credit(s).

Independent capstone experience, focusing on secondary research sources; paper may have other guidelines specific to the program option.

Prerequisites: none