M.A. in English
HEGIS code 1501
NYS SED program code 02044

The master of arts in English program immerses students in literature dating from the Middle Ages through the present. Through the study and analysis of a variety of literary texts, critical and theoretical approaches (including, among others, new historicism, reader-response theory, deconstruction, feminist criticism, and post-colonial studies), and historical concepts, students are afforded the opportunity to develop individual interpretations of texts and to evaluate controversies surrounding the canon. Small-group tasks, oral presentations, short papers, and longer research papers complement lectures, discussions, and examinations. Travel and research grants are available to our students, several of whom have presented at graduate colloquia at Brooklyn College and at other universities throughout the country and abroad, or have had papers accepted for publication in journals.

Our graduates have found new employment or enhanced their present careers in diverse fields including education, publishing, writing for both for-profit and non-profit organizations. Others have been accepted into doctoral programs.

Program/Department Advisors

Advisor Name Title Phone Location Email Office Hours Davis, James Graduate Deputy 718-951-5197 2314 Boylan Hall jcdavis brooklyn.cuny.edu call/email for appointment

Building codes:    A-Whitehead;   B-Boylan;   J-James;   N-Ingersoll;   NE-Ingersoll Extension;   R-Roosevelt;   RE-Roosevelt Extension;   WEB - West End Building

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Matriculation requirements
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Applicants must offer at least 12 credits in advanced courses in English literature.

Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.00.

Applicants must submit a sample of critical writing of about ten pages, and a two-page statement of academic purpose.

Foreign applicants for whom English is a second language are required to pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 650 on the paper-based test or 280 on the computer-based test, or 110 on the Internet-based test before being considered for admission.

General matriculation and admission requirements of the Division of Graduate Studies are in the section "Admission."

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Degree requirements
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Thirty-three credits are required for the degree.

Courses in English and comparative literature are grouped in the following areas of study:

1. Literature before 1500: English 705X, 706X, 708X, 791X.
2. Literature from 1500 to 1800: English 721X, 724X, 731X, 751X, 760X, 761X, 792X.
3. Literature from 1800 to 1900: English 741X, 742X, 749.1X, 749.2X, 752X, 793X.
4. Literature from 1900 to the present: English 750X, 750.9X, 753.1X, 753.2X, 757X, 763X, 794X.
5. Theory and criticism: English 710X, 775X, 775.1X, 775.2X, 775.3X, 775.4X, 778X, 779X, 795X.
6. Language: English 701X, 702X, 702.6X, 703X, 703.6X, 795.6X.
7. Comparative literature: Comparative literature 706.1X, 707.1X, 708.1X; English 795.7X.

The following courses are required: English 700X; English 780X; one course from six of the seven areas of study; one elective.

In addition, students must consult an adviser and choose three courses in one area.

Early in the first term, students must have a program of study approved by the English Department.

Students must submit a thesis acceptable to the department on a subject related to their area of specialization.

Students must pass a written comprehensive examination. Students must pass the English Department M.A. French examination or a test administered by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures or they must pass a foreign language course acceptable to the deputy chairperson. The foreign language requirement may be waived for a native speaker with permission of the English graduate deputy.

Courses in the English Department offered toward the degree must be 700-level courses.