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Greetings to Graduate Students in EnglishWelcome to the graduate program in English at Marshall University. We wish you well in your studies, and hope that the challenges and responsibilities that you encounter here will enrich and influence your life, whatever direction it may take after you complete your graduate work in English at Marshall. David Hatfield Chair, Department of English
Katharine Rodier Director of Graduate Studies
THE M.A. PROGRAM IN ENGLISH The Department of English offers a course of graduate study leading to the degree of Master of Arts. Marshall University operates on the semester system, and full or part-time schedules are possible. Entering students should have an undergraduate major in English or a satisfactory concentration in language and literature. Students may be provisionally admitted to the M.A. program in English without having taken the GRE exam, but to receive full admission, they must take the GRE during the first semester of enrollment in the program. Graduate courses in English provide detailed consideration of authors, literary types, literary and cultural theory, composition and rhetoric, linguistics and creative writing. Students are expected to acquire a broad acquaintance with the whole range of English and American literature and the English language; to acquire a basic knowledge of the terms and methods of literary theory; and to become thoroughly familiar with the forms of literature, critical standards, and materials and methods of research. Currently, students may choose to specialize in literary study, creative writing, or other options as available through relevant courses, including linguistics and composition and rhetoric. The department also offers two graduate certificate programs, one in Creative Writing and another in Medieval and Renaissance Studies. M.A. REQUIREMENTS: The following requirements are expected of all graduate students: 1. Students must choose an Area of Specialization. The areas include:
a. Thesis Option: students may fulfill requirements by taking any two courses in their Area of Specialization, completing 32 hours of coursework, and writing a thesis that relates to that area. Refer to the section Thesis Option Requirements for specific information. b. Non-Thesis Option: students may fulfill requirements by completing 36 hours of coursework and by taking any three courses in their Area of Specialization.
Important notes on requirements:
AREAS OF EMPHASIS IN THE ENGLISH M.A. PROGRAM 1. Medieval English ENG 511 – Chaucer ENG 517 – English Drama to 1642 ENG 536 – Medieval Literature
2. Renaissance and Seventeenth Century ENG 509 – Milton ENG 510 – Shakespeare’s Comedies, Tragicomedies and Romances ENG 512 – Shakespeare’s Histories and Tragedies ENG 517 – English Drama to 1642 ENG 537 – Tudor Literature: Poetry and Prose of the 16th Century ENG 538 – 17th-Century Literature: Poetry and Prose
3. Restoration and 18th Century ENG 513 – British Novel to 1800 ENG 546 – Drama of the Restoration and 18th Century ENG 562 – Restoration and 18th-Century Poetry and Prose
4. Romantic and Victorian ENG 514 – 19th-Century British Novel ENG 515 – Victorian Poetry ENG 547 – British Romantic Poets
5. 19th Century American Literature ENG 521 – American Literature to 1830 ENG 522 – American Literature from 1830 to 1865 ENG 523 – American Literature from 1865 to 1914
6. Modern Literature – British ENG 533 – Contemporary British Poetry ENG 535 – Modernism ENG 620 – 20th-Century Drama ENG 624 – 20th-Century British Novel
7. Modern Literature – American ENG 524 – American Literature After 1914 ENG 525 – Southern Writers ENG 534 – Contemporary American Poetry ENG 535 – Modernism
8. Language and Linguistics ENG 575 – Introduction to Linguistics ENG 576 – Modern Grammar ENG 578 – Introduction to Sociolinguistics
9. Critical Approaches to Literature ENG 519 – Approaches to Teaching Literature ENG 555 – Literary Criticism ENG 558 – Contemporary Fiction: Form & Theory ENG 660 – Literary Theory
10. Genre A. Drama ENG 510 – Shakespeare’s Comedies ENG 512 – Shakespeare’s Tragedies ENG 517 – English Drama to 1642 ENG 546 – Drama of the Restoration and 18th Century ENG 620 – 20th-Century Drama
B. Poetry ENG 509 – Milton ENG 511 – Chaucer ENG 515 – Victorian Poetry ENG 547 – British Romantic Poets ENG 533 – Contemporary British Poetry ENG 534 – Contemporary American Poetry
C. Novel ENG 513 – British Novel to 1800 ENG 514 – 19th-Century British Novel ENG 528 – International Literature ENG 624 – 20th-Century British Novel
11. Writing / Composition ENG 502 – Composition and Rhetoric for Teachers ENG 508 – Advanced Expository Writing ENG 544 – Rendering the Landscape ENG 591 – Creative Writing: Poetry Workshop ENG 592 – Creative Writing: Fiction Workshop ENG 593 – Creative Writing: Nonfiction Workshop ENG 640 – Teaching College English <note: an eligible student may also count 9.0 credit hours from the following Writing Project courses toward the M. A. degree> ENG 641 – Advanced Composition Institute I ENG 643 – Electronic Writing Project ENG 644 – Teacher Inquiry
12. Other (area indicated by course subject matter) ENG 580-583; ENG 650-653 – Special Topics ENG 585-586, 588 – Independent Study ENG 610 – Readings in British and American Literature ENG 631 – Major American Authors ENG 632 – Topics in American Literature ENG 635 – Major Texts ENG 636 – Selected British Writers ENG 637 – Topics in British Literature
NOTES:
PLAN OF STUDY At the completion of 18 hours of graduate coursework, students are required to file a Plan of Study with the Graduate School. If the Director of Graduate Studies approves the plan, it proceeds for approval to the Department Chair and the Graduate College. Approval of a Plan of Study depends primarily on the following factors: an equal number of 500- and 600-level courses toward the degree total; a clearly defined Area of Specialization; and the presence of at least one course from four other areas. THESIS OPTION REQUIREMENTS: Students who choose the thesis option must produce a scholarly or creative thesis or other approved written study, and complete 32 hours of coursework, six of which may be thesis hours (ENG 681: Thesis). Students considering applications to Ph.D. or MFA programs are especially encouraged to pursue the thesis option, as it can serve as a good source for writing samples.
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM REQUIREMENTS: Exam Procedures: As graduate students complete the coursework for the degree, they will take a five-hour comprehensive exam, consisting of questions in three exam areas. When students have accumulated twelve graduate credits (usually by the second semester of study), they should start to prepare for the exam by assembling a three-member examination committee composed of members of the eligible Graduate Faculty. The student will ask one member to serve as chair. The chair will write a two-hour exam question in the student’s Area of Specialization; the other two committee members will write 90-minute exam questions. Students are encouraged to meet with the examining professors before the exams, but should not expect to know specific exam questions in advance. Students will select three exam areas as approved by the Graduate Director. Exam reading lists may cover the following areas: Medieval, Renaissance, 18th-Century/Restoration, 19th-Century British, 20th-Century British, American before 1865, American since 1865, Postcolonial Anglophone, Linguistics, Composition/Rhetoric, Fiction, Poetry, Drama, Short Story, and Theory (specific theory lists are available). Period lists cover works in all genres for the period, while genre lists cover works in a particular genre for all periods. With the approval of an examining professor and the Director of Graduate Studies, the exam may include one Major Author question. The reading list for the Major Author question should include 5-10 other primary works from the author’s period. A student should consult with and formally petition his or her examiner and the graduate advisor if he or she wishes to develop a non-standardized reading list for any subject. Where the graduate faculty has advised a standardized option for an exam list, individual modifications may be determined with the examiners, with the exception of major author lists, which while personalized should nonetheless should meet the coverage standards described above. The exam is monitored by the Director of Graduate Studies and takes place in a computer-assisted classroom. Students may choose to handwrite their exam answers or they may type them at a computer. Questions are given to students by the Director of Graduate Studies or exam facilitator as exams are scheduled. Exam deadlines: Students must submit their signed exam committee forms to the graduate director no later than the end of the semester in which they complete 18 credit hours of coursework. Exams are offered once per semester, usually on a Saturday in the second half of the academic session. Students who fail to meet the above deadlines will not be eligible to take their exams until the following semester. Exam coverage: All exam lists should consist of approximately 30 primary works of literature, and approximately 10 secondary works of literary criticism and theory. The exam lists will contain a wide range of texts, with a small number of required texts and a large number of optional readings from which the student will choose. As noted previously, the reading list for a Major Author question should include 5-10 other primary works from the author’s period. Exam evaluation: Each examining professor will assign an individual grade of E (Excellent), P (Pass), or U (Unsatisfactory) to the exam question that he or she submits. The exam committee will then determine an overall exam grade, which will consist of one of these three designations or PC (Pass with Contingency). M.A. COMPREHENSIVE EXAM DESCRIPTORS <E> EXCELLENT *Demonstrates sophisticated knowledge and analysis of the material on the reading list. *Clearly defines and supports an understandable, relevant thesis about the assigned material. *Supports topic or purpose with effective, concrete details; clarity in explanation; factual commentary; textual information and analyses; and lines of reasoning that develop ideas thoroughly. *Avoids obvious generalizations and padding. *Develops ideas and descriptions specifically, logically, and fully; has coherent, effective transitions which advance a clear argument. *Balances and emphasizes points appropriately. *Varies sentence length and form. *Has a lively, accurate vocabulary with few or no misused words. *Has few or no grammatical or mechanical problems.
<P> PASS *Demonstrates convincing knowledge and analysis of texts on the reading list. *Defines an understandable topic, though the thesis may admit generalization. *Supports topic or purpose by specific details, but may occasionally lapse in linking topic to details. Includes explanation, factual commentary, textual information and analyses, and/or lines of reasoning that develop ideas well, but with possible lapses. *May have some generalizations and padding throughout, but generalization does not impede support. *Develops ideas and descriptions; has effective transitions, though some of these may be mechanical or underdeveloped in places. *Balances and emphasizes points, but may have lapses. *Varies sentence length and form, with occasional lapses. *Has an accurate vocabulary: may have some lapses in word choice or usage but still achieves clarity. *May have some grammatical or mechanical problems, but these do not impede the reader's understanding. . <U> UNSATISFACTORY *Fails to demonstrate convincing knowledge of texts on the reading list. Possible problems may include the following: *Has a thesis too obvious or too general to argue; lacks focus, analysis, and/or clear point of view. *Fails to present specific evidence, or does not link it to argument through reasoning and explanation. *Ideas are undeveloped or random. *Paragraphs may appear random; may lack transitions or internal organization. *Fails to balance and emphasize points appropriately. *Sentences are repetitive and unvaried. *Has frequent, substantive errors in word choice and phrasing. *Has excessive grammatical or mechanical problems that impede the reader's comprehension.
<PC> PASS WITH CONTINGENCY (only an option for a complete exam, not for a single question) *Demonstrates familiarity with texts on the reading list, but may fail to demonstrate other qualities as designated above, impeding the reader's comprehension
In the event that a student earns a grade of "Unsatisfactory" on any one portion of the exam, the examiner in conference with the committee should determine further procedures and conditions for completion, including a schedule as relevant; at this point, examiners may recommend a written and/or an oral follow-up exam. Until the exam is made up, the committee will report the overall grade of the set of exams as "Pass with Contingency." If more than one portion of an exam earns a grade of "Unsatisfactory," the student should discuss the results with the examiners and plan to re-take those sections of the exam at the next scheduled exam session. The overall grade for such an exam will be recorded as "Unsatisfactory" until all sections of the exam have been completed successfully. GOALS OF STUDIES FOR ALL GRADUATING ENGLISH M.A. STUDENTS KNOWLEDGE The English M.A. graduate should: 1.1 Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of at least three areas of literary study, which include designated historical periods, genres, or literary and cultural theory. Comprehensive knowledge of a literary period should include major works in all applicable genres and relevant historical, critical, and/or theoretical material. 1.2 Demonstrate competence in applying at least two major areas of literary and cultural theory, both in relation to and independent of particular literary periods and genres. 1.3 Demonstrate familiarity with a range of literary periods, genres, and theories, beyond those described above. ABILITIES The English M.A. graduate should be able to: 2.1 Demonstrate in both writing and speaking a sophisticated level of textual analysis as above. 2.2 Utilize terms and methods of literary and cultural theory as integrated aspects of the student’s own textual analysis. 2.3 Write thoroughly-researched, polished essays of substantial length that develop advanced and insightful critical arguments. 2.4 Use professional research tools, showing both accuracy in format and the ability to choose, introduce, provide background for, and evaluate peer-reviewed sources. RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS OF ENGLISH M.A. STUDENTS:
GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIPS: The English Department offers a limited number of graduate Teaching Assistantships each year. Information and application materials may be obtained from the Director of Graduate Studies. The deadline for application is March 15, although worthy applicants may in some cases be considered after that date. It is of utmost importance that the application for a graduate Teaching Assistantship in the English Department be completed as early as possible so that one can compete favorably with other applicants. The yearly stipend for a Teaching Assistant is currently $6000, subject to funding, with tuition and most fees waived. If Teaching Assistants satisfactorily meet the following responsibilities, they can expect the assistantship to be renewed for a second year: 1. Complete both ENG 630 and ENG 640 during the first fall semester of work. 2. Participate in a supervised teaching experience during the first fall semester with a designated mentor teacher who is an English professor. 3. Take three classes (at least 9 hours) per semester to remain a full-time student. 4. Teach one 3-hour class in freshman composition as assigned. This responsibility generally begins the semester following a mentorship and completion of ENG 640: Teaching College English. 5. Tutor in the Writing Center. Tutoring hours reflect teaching work load: 10 hours the first semester (when students are not teaching) and 5 hours the following semesters (when they are teaching).
ORGANIZATIONS, AWARDS AND OPPORTUNITIES:
The English Department promotes contact between Marshall students and faculty and recognizes the achievements of students enrolled in English courses. Beginning in 2005, graduate students have organized a Graduate Student Association for interested participants. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies for further details. The Marshall University chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, a national English honorary, encourages regular, alumni, and associate members to further their knowledge of and interest in English language and literature. The William J. Maier writing awards, cash prizes available through the generosity of the Maier Foundation, are given annually to students enrolled in English classes as well as to undergraduates enrolled in classes in the College of Liberal Arts at Marshall University. For English graduate students, there are three categories: graduate prose, graduate poetry, and graduate fiction. Mr. William J. Maier, Jr., a native West Virginian, a Harvard Phi Beta Kappa, and a Rhodes Scholar, began the awards in 1973 after reading an article by English Department faculty member John Teel in The National Review. These awards for excellence in writing range from $100 to $500. Et Cetera, the campus literary magazine, is an outlet for student writing. Begun in 1953, it is produced annually with an all-student staff under the supervision of the English Department. When funds permit, writers receive cash awards for distinguished submissions. The Marian Alexander Blake and Merrill Clifford Blake Scholarship in Confederate Literature is an annual $5000 scholarship awarded to a graduate student in English at Marshall. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in Confederate literature, an aptitude for research and writing, and a record of academic achievement. The recipient of the Blake Scholarship writes a thesis in an area related to Confederate literature and makes use of the resources of the Rosanna A. Blake Confederate Library at Marshall University. An interested student should consult the graduate adviser for additional information and application materials. The deadline for application will be posted each year. LOOKING AHEAD: Students considering work beyond the master’s degree should begin to make plans and investigate possibilities at least twelve months before the anticipated date of initial enrollment. Deadlines for admission and financial aid tend to fall early in February and may be much earlier for some schools. Keep in mind that many students retake both the general and the advanced literature sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), in order to improve their chances for acceptance and financial assistance. After filing the initial application, one should plan plenty of time for transcript requests, faculty letters of recommendation, and both general and advanced literature GRE examination scores to arrive before the final deadline. Ask faculty for letters of recommendation before winter break so that they may be prepared by early spring semester. In addition to the Area of Specialization for the master’s degree at Marshall, a student should strive to present transcripts reflecting solid course coverage in English, American and world literatures, as well as a variety of time periods and genres. While many doctoral programs still require at least two foreign languages for the Ph.D. degree, others are moving toward accepting one foreign language and advanced computer literacy. As part of your application you will most likely be asked to submit scores for the advanced literature section of the GRE, as well as the general scores. As part of your preparation in English and American literature, you should consult past examinations and seek the help of faculty members in the department. When planning for the future, students should remember that the Marshall Graduate Faculty members are willing to guide, counsel, advise, and write recommendations for employment, as well as for further graduate work. Candidates for Ph.D. programs should submit complete files to the English Department Credentials Committee by 1 December. The Committee will review each file and recommend any needed changes.
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT / MARSHALL UNIVERSITY APPLICATION FOR A TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 15
____________________________________________________________________________ NAME DATE SSN _____________________________________________________________________________ CURRENT STREET ADDRESS _____________________________________________________________________________ CITY STATE ZIP CODE _____________________________________________________________________________ PHONE E-MAIL _____________________________________________________________________________ UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE MAJOR
_____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ NAMES OF THREE REFERENCES I wish to apply for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship in the English Department at Marshall University for the academic year ______ to _______. I have asked two of the above references each to submit a letter of recommendation to the Chair of the English Department no later than March 15 of the year that I intend to enroll. I am also enclosing a personal statement (one-two pages) that outlines my interest in teaching at the college level; my background in writing, particularly in composition; any related courses or workshops that I have taken; my plans in regard to the teaching of writing; and my own related work and/or volunteer experience, particularly in teaching and/or tutoring. I have encouraged my references to comment on these matters as well. In addition, I have made sure that your department has received a copy of my transcript from my undergraduate program as well as from any relevant graduate coursework. I understand that a Teaching Assistant in English is expected to attend required training, workshops, and orientations; tutor in the Writing Center as assigned; teach a three-hour class in English Composition as assigned; meet with supervisors as designated; and take three classes each semester. During the upcoming fall semester, if I have not already done so, I will take ENG 640: Teaching College English, and ENG 630: Materials and Methods of Research, both of which are required courses for a TA in this program. I will also work with a designated teacher-mentor as assigned. If I meet these responsibilities satisfactorily, I may expect the Teaching Assistantship to be renewed for a second year, subject to my continued fulltime enrollment in the M. A. program up to 36 semester hours total, or up to 32 semester hours if I select the thesis option, and contingent upon available funding. I understand that the current yearly stipend for a Teaching Assistant in the English Department is $6000, with tuition and most fees waived. _____________________________________________________________________________ Signature Date Return to: Office of the Chair / Department of English / Marshall University / One John Marshall Drive / Huntington WV 25755-2646 ENGLISH DEPARTMENT MARSHALL UNIVERSITY ACCEPTANCE OF A TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIP
______________________________________________________________________________ NAME DATE SSN ______________________________________________________________________________ CURRENT STREET ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________________________ CITY STATE ZIP CODE ______________________________________________________________________________ PHONE E-MAIL
I accept a Graduate Teaching Assistantship in the English Department at Marshall University for the academic year ______ to _______. I understand that a Teaching Assistant in English is expected to attend required training, workshops, and orientations; tutor in the Writing Center as assigned; teach a three-hour class in English Composition as assigned; meet with supervisors as designated; and enroll in three classes each semester. During the upcoming fall semester, if I have not already done so, I will take ENG 640: Teaching College English, and ENG 630: Materials and Methods of Research, both of which are required courses for a TA in this program. I will also work with a designated teacher-mentor as assigned. If I meet these responsibilities satisfactorily, I may expect the Teaching Assistantship to be renewed for a second year, subject to my continued fulltime enrollment in the M. A. program up to 36 semester hours total, or up to 32 semester hours if I select the thesis option, and contingent upon available funding. I understand that the current yearly stipend for a Teaching Assistant in the English Department is $6000, with tuition and most fees waived.
______________________________________________________________________________ Signature Date
Return to: Office of the Chair / Department of English / Marshall University / One John Marshall Drive / Huntington WV 25755-2646.
TO: Graduate Advisor, Department of EnglishSUBJECT: Graduate Committee Members Student’s name: The signatures below of members of the Graduate Faculty in the English Department indicate that they will serve as my graduate committee to evaluate my comprehensive exams. As of the date below, we have agreed on the subject matter and confirmed a reading list for the exam.
Committee Chair Exam Subject Area Date
Committee Member Exam Subject Area Date
Committee Member Exam Subject Area Date If applicable, my thesis committee members are:
Committee Chair Date
Committee Member Date
Committee Member Date I will inform the graduate advisor of any changes as soon as possible and agree to obtain new signatures as necessary. If I have not done so already, I will also provide the graduate director with a copy of any relevant reading list(s) agreed upon between my examiner(s) and myself; my thesis prospectus; and any other required documents.
Student’s signature Date
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Department of English | Marshall University |
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