The Master of Arts with an option in Literature equips students with a strong foundation in English, American, World and Multicultural literatures, as well as critical theory. This degree is suited for students interested in literature, film and writing. In addition to providing a foundation for the Ph.D. in English, the degree may serve as a basis for post secondary teaching.
Recent graduates have entered Ph.D. studies programs at such schools as University of Texas--Austin, Kent State University, Washington State University, University of Iowa, University of Minnesota, Marquette University, and Purdue University. Those choosing to go directly into teaching have obtained positions at technical colleges, community colleges, and four-year satellite campuses of larger universities.
Entrance requirements include a minimum of 30 semester hours earned in language, literature, or related courses. Twenty credits should have been earned in upper-division courses. It is highly recommended that students have at least one course in a literary figure and one in upper-division linguistics.
The GRE is not required as part of the admissions material for this program.
Candidates whose native language is not English must have a TOEFL score of 600 or above.
Admissions Materials:
The admissions process consists of two sets of application materials.
Send the following to:
College of Graduate Studies and Research
Minnesota State University, Mankato
115 Alumni Foundation Center
Mankato, Mn 56001
Program Application Materials I
_________________
Send the following to:
Professor Stephen Stoynoff
Graduate Director
230 Armstrong Hall
Department of English
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, MN 56001
Program Application Materials II
If you are interested in an assistantship (teaching or research), please indicate this in your program application letter and send a completed Graduate Assistantship Application form. Consult the following web page for specific position announcements and deadlines: http://english.mnsu.edu/gradassistantship.htm . Please note: If you do apply for an assistantship, you can use the resume, letters of recommendation and writing sample from your program application. There is no need to send additional material other than the Graduation Assistantship Application form.
Professor Mary Sue Johnston
Department of English
Minnesota State University, Mankato
230 Armstrong Hall
Mankato, MN 56001
Telephone: (507) 389-1065
E-mail: mary.johnston@mnsu.edu
Professor Stephen Stoynoff is the Department of English Graduate Programs Director.
If you do not find answers to your questions on this web page, or if you need more information about this English Department graduate program at the Minnesota State University, Mankato, please contact
Professor Stephen Stoynoff
Director of English Graduate Studies
English Department
Minnesota State University, Mankato
230 Armstrong Hall
Mankato, MN 56001
Telephone: (507) 389-5502
E-mail: stephen.stoynoff@mnsu.edu
This MA Literature degree is supported by a department of highly qualified specialists in the areas of literature, film, and critical theory. English faculty emphasize mentoring graduate students; the faculty's wide range of interests and expertise reinforces individual student interests. View a complete list here.
The following requirements apply to those students entering the program in 2008. Students who entered in Fall 2007 should follow the program requirements when they entered.
Coursework for the MA Literature involves minimum of 30 credits, at least 50% of which must be at the 600-level.See schedule of courses for course offerings.
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 606 | British Literary History and Criticism |
3
|
| ENG 607 | American Literary History and Criticism |
3
|
| ENG 651 | Bibliography and Research |
3
|
| ENG 671 | Literary Theory and Criticism |
3
|
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 603 | Selected Authors |
3
|
| ENG 605 | Shakespeare |
3
|
| ENG 608 | British Literature to 1800 |
3
|
| ENG 609 | British Literature after 1800 |
3
|
| ENG 610 | American Literature to 1865 |
3
|
| ENG 611 | American Literature after 1865 |
3
|
| ENG 612 | Gender in Literature |
3
|
| ENG 618 | Multicultural Literature |
3
|
| ENG 635 | World Literature |
3
|
| ENG 661 | Children's and Young Adult Literature |
3
|
Choose 8-9 credits from any 500 or 600-level English courses in consultation with an advisor
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 699 | Thesis and oral defense |
3-4
|
A Thesis is an individual study of works of literature, film or pedagogy that demonstrates familiarity with the tools of research or scholarship.
**Students who entered the program prior to Fall 2005 can choose to follow either the program in place when they entered or any subsequent Literature program. Students should see their advisor for further information.
The degree requires a reading knowledge of a modern language or a classical language by course work or examination. The equivalent of two years of college-level language study is generally sufficient to satisfy this requirement. Students who have not fulfilled this requirement upon entering must do so before completing their program. There are a number of ways a student can fulfill this requirement, including but not limited to the following:
Graduate students concentrating in Literature are encouraged to complete an internship for which they may receive up to 4 graduate credits. During this internship, students participate in the preparation and teaching of an undergraduate English course with a supervising professor. The teaching internship affords an opportunity for students to gain valuable experience teaching in film or literature classes.
The Department of English employs about 30 teaching and research assistants at stipends of approximately $8000 over two semesters. Assistants receive full tuition remission for up to 18 credits over the academic year (two semesters). All graduate assistants are required to enroll for a minimum of six credits per semester. Assistants are provided office space and have faculty library privileges.
Teaching Assistants in the Department of English typically teach freshman composition. The TA Director provides a supportive atmosphere where assistants learn composition theory and pedagogy. In addition, assistants are trained in the latest methods of computer-assisted writing instruction. For more information, visit the English Graduate Assistantships web page.
Other assistantships are available from Student Affairs, Learning Center, Memorial Library, and Residential Life offices of the University. For a list of available graduate assistantships, visit the Human Resources Job Posting web page on the College of Graduate Studies web site.
For information about other types of financial assistance, students should write to:
Office of Financial Aid
Minnesota State University, Mankato
109 Wigley Administration Center
Mankato, MN 56001
Telephone: (507) 389-1185
Web site: http://www.mnsu.edu/campushub
