English
Literature Concentration
The Literature concentration engages traditional chronological periods of British and American literature alongside a wide variety of additional course offerings. Flexible plans of study provide opportunities to focus on conventional literary-historical areas as well as far-reaching critical and theoretical fields. Our courses help students pose and investigate problems in the advanced study of literature in English, and also provide a strong foundation for those students seeking to pursue a Ph.D. in literature or related fields. Students analyze texts, identify relevant contexts, and communicate complex ideas in a clear, artful manner. Additionally, by developing students’ written and oral communication skills, research abilities, and analytical prowess, this concentration establishes core competencies required for work in many fields.
We offer both a thesis and non-thesis option for the Literature M.A.
Curriculum
Core (9 credit hours)
- One 6000-level course in American Literature
- One 6000-level course in British Literature
- English 6000
Content Courses (15 credit hours)*
- One additional course in American Literature
- One additional course in British Literature
- Three graduate-level electives selected by student and advisor
*Note: Of the two required British Literature courses, one must be pre-1800 and the other post-1800. Of the two required American Literature courses, one must be pre-1865 and the other post-1865.
Thesis Option (6 credit hours)
- Two sections of ENGL 6990
Non-Thesis Option (9 credit hours)
- One section of ENGL 6890
- Two additional graduate-level electives selected by student and advisor