Program Overview
The Master of Applied Literary Arts (MALA) program combines academic studies with professional skills training in a versatile and experiential format. It equips graduates with the knowledge and abilities to thrive in a wide range of arts-related professions, fostering the creative economy and contributing to cultural preservation and revitalization. The program offers three streams: internship, thesis, and research paper, and emphasizes community engagement and experiential learning through internships and collaborations with local artists and organizations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
The Master of Applied Literary Arts (MALA) is a groundbreaking program that harmoniously merges academic studies and professional skills training in a versatile and experiential format. The program's primary goal is to equip graduates with the necessary knowledge and abilities to thrive in a wide spectrum of arts-related professions both within and beyond the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Graduates of the MALA program will play a pivotal role in fostering the creative economy by leveraging local arts and culture, contributing to tourism-based industries, revitalizing rural communities, preserving and sharing historical and cultural legacies, promoting decolonization and diversification, and shaping the evolution of cultural traditions. The MALA program fosters strong relationships with community organizations, businesses, and cultural practitioners, providing students with ample opportunities to collaborate with local and established artists outside the traditional academic setting. This community-centric and experiential approach to learning places a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on experiences for students.
Program Outline
- The research paper option, also requiring one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study, entails coursework, an internship, and a substantial research paper.
- The thesis option requires two years of full-time study and comprises coursework, an internship, and a thesis.
Content
The MALA program's coursework is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of applied literary arts. The curriculum includes courses in literary theory, creative writing, digital storytelling, cultural studies, and arts management, among others. Students are also required to complete an internship in a relevant field, providing them with valuable hands-on experience and professional connections.
Individual Modules
Creative Writing
Develops students' writing abilities in various genres, including fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.
Digital Storytelling
Introduces students to the principles and practices of digital storytelling, including multimedia production, web design, and social media marketing.
Cultural Studies
Examines the relationship between culture and society, exploring themes such as identity, representation, and power.
Arts Management
Provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage arts organizations and projects, including fundraising, marketing, and event planning.
Assessment
The MALA program utilizes a multifaceted assessment approach that evaluates students' knowledge, skills, and abilities in various ways.
Assessment Methods
Internship
Students are evaluated based on their performance during their internship, which includes a written report and a presentation.
Portfolio
Students in the internship option are required to submit a portfolio of creative work that demonstrates their skills and abilities.
Research Paper
Students in the research paper option must submit a substantial research paper that makes an original contribution to the field of applied literary arts.
Thesis
Students in the thesis option must complete a thesis that demonstrates their ability to conduct independent research and write a scholarly work.
Assessment Criteria
The assessment criteria for the MALA program vary depending on the assessment method. However, some common criteria include:
Content knowledge
The student's understanding of the relevant concepts and theories.- Critical thinking skills The student's ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate information.
- Writing skills The student's ability to communicate effectively in writing.
- Research skills The student's ability to conduct independent research and present their findings in a clear and concise manner
Teaching
The MALA is taught by a dedicated team of faculty members who are experts in their respective fields and passionate about teaching.
Teaching Methods
Seminars
Small-group seminars foster discussion and critical engagement with course material.
Workshops
Hands-on workshops provide students with practical experience in various aspects of applied literary arts.
Independent Study
Students are encouraged to pursue independent study and research under the guidance of faculty mentors.
Faculty
The MALA faculty is composed of award-winning authors, scholars, and practitioners who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom.
Unique Approaches
The MALA program incorporates several unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:
- Community Engagement: The program places a strong emphasis on community engagement, fostering collaboration between students and local artists, organizations, and businesses.
Careers:
The MALA program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in the arts and cultural industries.
Potential Career Paths
Cultural Heritage Specialist
Preserves and promotes cultural heritage through research, education, and community outreach.
Digital Media Specialist
Creates and manages digital content for websites, social media, and other online platforms.
Event Planner
Plans and coordinates special events, such as conferences, festivals, and exhibitions.
Fundraiser
Develops and implements strategies to raise funds for arts organizations and projects.
Journalist
Writes articles, reports, and other content for newspapers, magazines, and online publications.
Librarian
Provides access to information and resources in libraries and archives.
Museum Educator
Develops and delivers educational programs for museum visitors.
Public Relations Specialist
Manages public relations campaigns for arts organizations and projects.
Teacher
Teaches English, literature, or related subjects in secondary schools or post-secondary institutions.
Writer
Creates literary works, such as novels, short stories, poems, and plays.
Opportunities
Graduates of the MALA program are well-positioned to secure employment in a variety of arts-related fields. The program's emphasis on experiential learning and community engagement provides students with valuable connections and practical experience that can enhance their job prospects.
Outcomes
Graduates of the MALA program have gone on to pursue successful careers in a wide range of arts and cultural organizations, including:
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
Tuition (NL students):$635-$1,313/semester Tuition (Other Canadian students):$826-$1,707/semester Tuition (International students):$1,074-$2,218/semester
