The Curriculum

      The Traditional M. A. English

      Required core courses for the traditional M. A. English, both thesis and non-thesis options, include the following:
        • ENG 500  Introduction to the Profession
        • ENG 501  Literary Theory
      Required core courses for the creative writing concentration includethe following:
        • ENG 501  Literary Theory
        • ENG 504  Methods and Materials of Publishing

      For the thesis option, 27-30 credits are required in addition to the required core courses (eight courses plus 3-6 credits of ENG 620 M.A. Essay). ENG 620 for the creative writing concentration is a creative project. The nonthesis option requires 30 credits in addition to the core courses (10 courses).

      In both options, several free elective courses make possible a self-designed concentration. A range of offerings in British, American, and World literatures, as well as composition and rhetoric, ensures a diverse curriculum.  Innovative "Special Topics" courses allow graduate students to explore new readings, writings, and approaches that are often developed out of faculty research interests.

      Those interested in the possibility of an M.A. in teaching English as a second language (TESL) should contact the directior of the TESL program.

      M. A. English: Writing, Teaching, Criticism Track

      This program requires 36 credits of coursework, covering three areas of strength in the English Department and providing a balanced program that serves a wide range of students. Students must take two courses in literature (including one required course), two in composition and rhetoric (including one required course), and two in pedagogy (including one required course). It also requires a capstone course that is taught by a faculty member from one of the three groups that contribute to the program. The remaining fifteen credits are electives.

      The program has one final requirement. In the course of their studies, students must take at least one non-canonical course, that is, a course addressing the writing, literature, and/or pedagogy relating to under-represented groups.

      Optional thesis: In addition to finishing the capstone research seminar, a student may choose to enroll in ENG 620: M. A. Thesis and complete an independent thesis project. This course will substitute for 3 elective credits in the Writing, Teaching, Criticism curriculum. This optional thesis may be a revision or development of the research project begun in ENG 616: Capstone Research Seminar. The process, regulations, and expectations for this thesis will be the same as those for the final project of the M. A. in English, Thesis Option (see English Department Guidelines for Completing the M. A. Thesis).

      Certification is not required to complete this program, and the program does not lead to any certificate.

      The Writing, Teaching, and Criticism track requires students to complete 36 credits distributed as follows:

      1. Writing: Composition and Rhetoric (6 semester hours)
        • One required course: ENG 506: Critical Pedagogies and Literacies (3)
        • One course from a list of composition and rhetoric electives (3)
      2. Teaching: Pennsylvania Writing and Literature Project (6 semester hours)
        • One required course: PWP 502: Strategies for Teaching Writing: Teachers as Writers (3)
        • One course from a list of PAWLP electives (3)
      3. Criticism: Literature (6 semester hours)
        • One required course: ENG 501: Literary Theory (3)
        • One course from a list of literature electives (3)
      4. Capstone Course (3 semester hours)
        • ENG 616: Capstone Research Seminar


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