Page 108 - 2016-2018 Graduate Catalog (Revised)

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AND MODERN LANGUAGES
Chair: Dr. David Basena

DEGREE OFFERED

Master of Arts in English

Graduate Program Coordinator:
Dr. Monifa Love
Room 0226, Martin Luther King Building

The Master of Arts in English is designed for (1) those individuals who
have the traditional bachelor's degree in English and allied fields (i.e.,
language arts, humanities, etc.) and wish to supplement that degree
with training in literary and rhetorical theory and humanities
computing, (2) those who now teach on the secondary or collegiate
levels and wish to investigate literary and rhetorical theories and
practices, and (3) those who wish to pursue doctoral studies upon
completion of the master's degree.

The program is distinctive in its emphasis on humanities computing as
a research tool and as a system for imparting, accessing and using
information. It is further distinctive in its pragmatic approach to the
study of literature, language, and rhetoric because some emphasis will
be placed upon how the knowledge and skills learned can be used for
utilitarian purposes. The program, then, will provide a strong, solid
background in rhetorical and literary theories and applications,
humanities computing, literature, and language. It, thus, provides
graduates the opportunities (1) to develop a solid knowledge base in
the discipline by enhancing the knowledge and skills needed to explore
literature and language of diverse populations and/or to successfully
pursue careers in other fields requiring a strong background in English,
(2) to deepen and broaden their knowledge in the discipline, and (3) to
strengthen their analytical and research skills.

The course of study for the Master of Arts degree in English requires 36
semester hours, including six (6) semester hours for the thesis. The core
curriculum includes 9 semester hours: three (3) semester hours in
research methods and humanities computing, three (3) semester hours
in rhetorical theories and practices, and three (3) semester hours in
literary criticism and theory. The other 21 semester hours of

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