Mar 29, 2024  
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2015-2016 
    
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2015-2016 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

English, M.A.


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Degree Requirements


Work for the degree of Master of Arts in English includes a minimum of 10 courses (30 semester hours) plus the Capstone Portfolio Project (0 semester hours). Courses selected must be approved by the Director of the Graduate English program. For the completion of the Master of Arts in English, all students are required to take Critical Methodology (in the first semester), Contemporary Critical Theory (in the first year) and a Major Writer Seminar. In addition, we strongly suggest that students take courses in as many of the following areas as possible: 1) Old English, Middle English, or Renaissance literature; 2) Restoration or 18th Century literature; 3) 19th Century or modern English literature; 4) American literature; and 5) a literary genre. All students must take at least four courses at the 6000 level. Courses in the 5000 group which receive a grade of “B-” or less will not count toward the degree.

Literature Emphasis (Ten Courses)


  • Critical Methodology (1)
  • Contemporary Critical Theory (1)
  • Major Writer (1)
  • Literature and Theory Electives (5-7)
  • Creative Writing Seminar (0-2)

Creative Writing Emphasis (Ten Courses)


  • Critical Methodology (1)
  • Contemporary Critical Theory (1)
  • Major Writer (1)
  • Creative Writing Seminar (4)
  • Literature and Theory Electives (3)

Rhetoric and Composition Emphasis (Ten Courses)


  • Critical Methodology (1)
  • Contemporary Critical Theory (1)
  • Major Writer (1)
  • Literature and Theory Electives (3)
  • Rhetoric and Composition Theory and Practice (3)
  • Linguistics or Reading Theory (1)

Capstone Portfolio Project


The Capstone Portfolio Project is a culminating project that requires students to work under the supervision of an advisor to create a critical or creative portfolio that highlights his/her research or creative interests. The portfolio is evaluated by the advisor and a second reader for quality of work and mastery of skills acquired throughout the graduate program.

Details of requirements, evaluation, and deadlines are described in the Graduate Handbook available on the Department website.

Foreign Language Requirement


Applicants for the degree of Master of Arts in English who wish a recommendation for doctoral work are encouraged to pass an examination designed to test their ability to translate materials pertaining to their field in either French, German, Spanish, or Latin.

Student Learning Outcomes


Students who complete the Master’s Degree in English will:

  • Master the terms and issues specific to the discipline and profession of literary studies.
  • Understand the history and nature of the discipline and prepare for a future in academia or teaching.
  • Master professional writing skills for tasks including book reviews, abstracts, short critical essays, and research projects.
  • Have experience giving presentations and making submissions for professional publications and/or conferences.
  • Engage critically and deeply with a range of literatures and literary theories.

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