Literature, MA American Literature Specialization
Students enrolled in the American Literature specialization pursue a course of study focusing on American literary texts and other cultural artifacts. Students will deepen their understanding of the role of narrative and literary form in shaping the experiences and articulating the philosophical, political and social questions central to American history and culture.
Curriculum
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| Core Courses (2 units) | |
| LIT 410-DL | Introduction to Graduate Studies in Literary and Cultural Analysis |
| LIT 590-0 | Thesis Research |
| Specialization Courses - American Literature (4 units) | |
Various Literature courses are offered throughout the year. Students should refer to the annual course schedule to determine which courses will apply to their specialization | |
| Electives (3 units) | |
Three graduate-level courses in Literature. Students may take courses in the areas of American Literature, British Literature, Comparative and World Literature, Film, Literature and Visual Culture, Interdisciplinary Studies, or other areas approved by the SPS Graduate Office. * | |
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Prior approval from the student adviser is required for registration in any courses offered by The Graduate School. No approval is necessary for enrollment in LIT or IPLS courses. Students are limited to three 300-level course registrations.
About the Thesis
Students sign up for the final course in the program during the term in which they start their master's thesis. The capstone project for the MALit program is an essay of 45 to 60 double-spaced pages written under the supervision of an approved faculty member. The project presents an opportunity to research and explore a topic thoroughly. Students often elect to expand a seminar paper from a previous course. With the approval of the program director, students may create an interdisciplinary final project rather than a traditional thesis.