The M.A. in English Literature
The Department of English houses a terminal master's degree in English literature for students who wish to earn only an M.A. degree or who wish to explore education at the graduate level before committing to a Ph.D. program. At any point in the M.A. program, a student may apply to the Ph.D. program. If accepted, all credits earned would be transferable. Funding is not ordinarily available for this degree.
Overview
M.A. candidates complete 24 credits of coursework. A maximum of six graduate credits can be transferred from another program. Students also demonstrate reading proficiency in one foreign language and write a qualifying paper.
Required Courses
Of the 24 credits students are required to complete, six credits are structured as follows:
- One course in literature prior to 1800
- One upper-level seminar.
With the permission of the graduate director, the balance of the courses can be structured in a way that best serves the student's individual interests.
Language Examination
Students must demonstrate a reading knowledge of one foreign language.
Qualifying Paper
A qualifying paper to be submitted in the last semester of coursework. The Qualifying Paper is one that gives evidence of the student's ability to write perceptively, lucidly, and at length (4,000-6,000 words) on a literary subject. Normally, the paper will develop out of work done in a graduate course. A sponsor on the graduate faculty approves it for submission and a different member of the graduate faculty then reviews it.
Interdisciplinary Study
Students are encouraged to engage in serious interdisciplinary projects and to work closely with a faculty engaged in research and publications projects that take them regularly into the areas of history, psychology, philosophy, the arts, and non-print media.
Study Abroad
The Rome Seminar in Art and Culture is offered during Summer I at Temple University's Rome campus, the Villa Caproni. This 6-credit graduate seminar is designed to bring together the disciplines of aesthetics and cultural studies. In its interdisciplinary thrust, the seminar is intended to serve as a foundation for advanced study in the human sciences and to reflect the most current trends of thought in post-modern culture. We welcome applications from advanced undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral students in fields such as literature, film studies, philosophy, art, and social theory. The seminar entails an intensive program of class work, field trips, and guest lectures. The city of Rome is used extensively as a resource. Accommodations can be arranged in a Temple student Residenza or students can make their own living arrangements in advance. All classes are taught in English.
Job Placement
Graduates find jobs in the Philadelphia area and in all parts of the United States. They hold positions as teachers, editors, journalists, and in all professions valuing writing and critical thinking.
Full-Time/Part-Time Status
In order to be certified as full-time, a student must engage in at least 9 hours of course work per semester, or the equivalent in supervised teaching, dissertation research, or writing. In special circumstances, the Department permits part-time enrollments, but such students are not exempt from the guidelines concerning reasonable academic progress toward the degree. These requirements generally do not allow students to complete the program by attending solely on a part-time basis.
Reasonable Academic Progress
Students enrolled in the M.A. program in Literature must complete all degree requirements, including 24 credits of course work, a foreign language requirement and a qualifying paper within two years. The Director of Graduate English must approve any extensions of this time limit. The maximum timed allowed for completion of the M.A. program in Literature is three years. Students who have not completed all requirements by that time may be dismissed from the program.
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