English

Kevin Swafford,
Graduate Program Coordinator

The Master of Arts in English provides post-baccalaureate students with study in the theory and practice of English. It is intended to prepare students for professional advancement and for further study in either literature or writing. The literature track emphasizes the study of literary texts with related study of writing, theory, and methods. The literature track also requires an internship within the context of an undergraduate literature course, a portfolio of written work, and a written comprehensive exam over selected work taken in the program. The writing track emphasizes the study and practice of writing with related study of literature, theory, and methods. The writing track also requires an internship within the context of an undergraduate writing course, a portfolio of written work, and a written comprehensive exam over selected work taken in the program.

Because the master’s program is predicated upon the complementary relationship between theory and practice in the study of English, both tracks of the program require ENG 500 Theory and Practice of English, another course in theory, and the internship. Students in either program not only will become familiar with the aesthetic, formal, and theoretical underpinnings of their field of study, but also will learn how to address their audiences by means of professional discourse. In this way, the program enriches students’ professional lives and enhances their uses of the discipline in the classroom and the workplace.

Special Admission Requirements

In addition to the admission requirements of the Graduate School, the applicant shall present the following material with the application:

1. An essay of under 1500 words stating what the applicant expects to achieve from the study of English (literature or writing) at the master’s level.
2. A writing sample (professional, critical, creative) that the applicant deems to be representative of the quality of his or her work. The sample may be an undergraduate paper, professional work, or work prepared for personal use. (The sample will not be returned. Submit a copy.)
3. Two letters of recommendation from references whose discipline is English literature or writing or from employers who have experience in the field of literature or writing. For those applicants who no longer have contact with either, the recommendations should be from those who can comment on the applicant’s ability to benefit from a graduate program in English.

Programs of Study

Literature Emphasis Requirement

• Theory and Practice of English - 3 hrs.
• Language Theory or Writing Theory or Literary Criticism - 3 hrs.
• American or English Periods - 6 hrs.
• Selected Authors/Genres - 6 hrs.
• Internship in Literature - 3 hrs.

Writing Emphasis Requirement

• Theory and Practice of English - 3 hrs.
• Writing in the Professions and/or Workshop for Writers and/or Creative Non-Fiction - 6 hrs.
• Language Theory or Writing Theory or Literary Criticism - 3 hrs.
• Literature Courses - 6 hrs.
• Internship in Writing - 3 hrs.

To complete either 30-hour program, students elect three courses (nine credits) from literature, writing, theory, or independent study.

This is the official catalog for the 2011-2012 academic year. This catalog serves as a contract between a student and Bradley University. Should changes in a program of study become necessary prior to the next academic year every effort will be made to keep students advised of any such changes via the Dean of the College or Chair of the Department concerned, the Registrar's Office, u.Achieve degree audit system, and the Schedule of Classes. It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of the current program and graduation requirements for particular degree programs.