English Literature

MA

Certificate

The Master of Arts in English curriculum focuses on breadth of content, providing broad surveys of English, American and world literature while also requiring a depth of knowledge in literary research, history and interpretation. You will hone your critical thinking and writing skills as you master the concepts and theories central to the study of literature.

Three students having a class discussion

Program Locations

Program Options

The English Literature program offers two distinct options

  • Master's Degree
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Stackable Credentials

Credits earned in the post-baccalaureate certificate program can roll seamlessly into the MA in English Literature.

What Makes Our Program Unique

While comprehensive in scope, our curriculum has a distinct emphasis on gender. Notre Dame's mission focuses on women's ability to transform the world through education, and all courses in this program include literature by women and issues of women in literature.

Faculty

Master's Degree

Required Core Courses

ENG 501 - Research Methodologies of Literary Criticism (3)
ENG 508 - Contemporary Literary Theory (3)

Literary Movements Courses

ENG 518 - Medievalism (3)
ENG 519 - Renaissance and Neoclassicism (3)
ENG 528 - Romanticism (3)
ENG 529 - Realism and Victorianism (3)
ENG 538 - Modernism and Postmodernism (3)
ENG 547 - New Woman Literature (3)

Topics Seminars and Other Courses

ENG 507 - Pedagogy of Creative Writing (3)
ENG 511 - Topics in Literature (3)
ENG 527 - London Theatre Tour (3)
ENG 548 - Classical World Literature (3)
ENG 549 - Modern World Literature (3)
ENG 551 - Literary Utopias (3)
ENG 558 - Multicultural American Literature (3)

Curriculum for MA Certification - 5 Courses (15 Credits)

Required: choose either ENG 501 - Research Methodologies of Literary Criticism (3) or ENG 508 - Contemporary Literary Theory (3)
Choose any other 4 courses in Literary Movements, Topic Seminars and other Courses

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

This 15-credit-hour program requires five courses in literary research methods, literary theory, literary movements and topics seminars.

Required Courses

Select one of the following courses:

ENG 501 - Research Methodologies of Literary Criticism (3)
ENG 508 - Contemporary Literary Theory (3)

Electives

Students also complete four additional courses from among the following. The courses in Literary Movements provide breadth in literary history. Topics courses provide depth in a particular significant area.

Literary Movements Courses

ENG 518 - Medievalism (3)
ENG 519 - Renaissance and Neoclassicism (3)
ENG 528 - Romanticism (3)
ENG 529 - Realism and Victorianism (3)
ENG 538 - Modernism and Postmodernism (3)
ENG 547 - New Woman Literature (3)

Topics Seminars and Other Courses

ENG 507 - Pedagogy of Creative Writing (3)
ENG 511 - Topics in Literature (3)
ENG 527 - London Theatre Tour (3)
ENG 548 - Classical World Literature (3)
ENG 549 - Modern World Literature (3)
ENG 551 - Literary Utopias (3)
ENG 558 - Multicultural American Literature (3)

View Course Catalog

What to Expect Studying at Notre Dame of Maryland University

Small classes, lectures and seminars assure personal attention and encourage interactive group discussions in a collaborative environment while carefully designed class schedules offer working professionals the flexibility to study part-time.

Flexible Class Schedules

Courses are offered in a sequence:

  • One evening class per week in fall and spring
  • Two evening classes per week in both summer sessions

Taken part-time, the degree can be completed within three years.

English Careers

The Master of Arts in English curriculum is designed to help you pursue opportunities in law, teaching, publishing, marketing, editing, or doctoral studies.

  • Editors
  • Secondary School Teachers
  • Elementary School Teachers
  • Technical Writers
  • Public Relation Managers
  • Non-Profit Writers
  • Grant Writers
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