Program Overview
Acadia University's Master of Arts in English program offers a comprehensive exploration of literary studies, fostering critical thinking, research skills, and expertise in specific literary areas. The program emphasizes close faculty-student collaboration, personalized guidance, and a wide range of elective courses, preparing graduates for doctoral studies and careers in academia and beyond.
Program Outline
Acadia University Master of Arts in English Program Extraction
Degree Overview:
The Master of Arts (MA) in English program at Acadia University delves into the power, place, and purpose of literary expression throughout cultural history. It provides a sophisticated understanding of literature, preparing graduates for potential doctoral studies and academic careers. The program fosters a close-knit community where students receive unmatched levels of engagement, mentorship, and support from professors and peers.
Objectives:
- Develop a deeper understanding of literary studies.
- Enhance critical thinking and research skills.
- Master a specific area within literary studies.
- Prepare for potential doctoral studies.
- Equip students for a range of careers in academia and beyond.
Program Description:
The program is designed to cultivate academic excellence and expertise in literary studies. It offers a dynamic curriculum that focuses on diverse areas of literary exploration, including:
- American literature
- Arthurian literature
- Atlantic-Canadian literature
- Canadian children's literature
- Canadian literature
- Children's literature
- Contemporary British fiction and poetry
- Digital humanities
- Fairy tales
- Fantasy
- Gender, sexuality, and queer studies
- Historical fiction
- Medieval studies
- Modern poetry
- New media studies
- Picture books
- Post-colonial literature
- Renaissance studies
- Shakespeare studies
- The early novel
- The eighteenth century
- The Gothic
- The Romantics
- Victorian and nineteenth-century literature
- Young adult literature
Other:
- The program welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and educational experiences.
- Applicants are encouraged to have a strong foundation in English literature and critical analysis.
- The program prioritizes close collaboration between faculty and students.
- The intimate program size allows for personalized attention and guidance.
Outline:
Year One:
- Fall Term:
- ENGL 5960 Thesis
- ENGL 5060 Scholarly Methods
- Two elective courses
- Winter Term:
- ENGL 5960 Thesis
- ENGL 5543 Scholarly Methods
- Two elective courses
- Spring Term:
- ENGL 5960 Thesis Completion
Year Two:
- Students may choose to extend their studies into a second year to complete additional coursework or conduct further research.
Electives:
- Students can select from a wide range of courses offered by the English department, allowing them to tailor their studies to their specific interests.
Thesis:
- The thesis is a central component of the program, requiring students to conduct independent research and produce a significant piece of scholarly writing under the guidance of a faculty supervisor.
Assessment:
- Assessment methods vary depending on the specific courses and electives chosen.
- Common assessment methods include essays, research papers, presentations, exams, and active participation in class discussions.
- The thesis is assessed by a committee of faculty members and requires a successful oral defense.
Teaching:
- The program boasts a dedicated faculty of active researchers and writers with expertise in diverse areas of literary studies.
- Professors employ a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual consultations.
- The program emphasizes active learning and encourages students to engage critically with course material.
Careers:
- Graduates of the program are well-prepared for a range of careers in academia, including teaching, research, and administration.
- The program also equip students with valuable skills and knowledge applicable to various fields, such as journalism, publishing, public relations, and education.
Other:
- The program provides strong preparation for students who wish to pursue doctoral studies in English or related fields.
