University of Texas at El Paso Academic Catalog

Academic Catalog

M.A. in English and American Literature

The primary objective of the Literature concentration is to develop skill in reading and interpreting literature. The coursework is designed to provide both a comprehensive knowledge of literature in its historical and intellectual contexts and the opportunity to explore competing theories of critical interpretation. The Literature concentration offers the opportunity for students to prepare for teaching in secondary schools and at junior colleges. It also offers the opportunity for students to prepare for admission to PhD programs in British and American Literature.

Admission Requirements 

  1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution or proof of equivalent education in a foreign institution.
  2. Eighteen (18) hours of advanced-level English courses.
  3. A writing sample.
  4. A statement of purpose.
  5. Three letters of recommendation.
  6. Optional: a resume or other supporting materials to give a full picture of the applicant’s potential.
  7. Applicants from countries where English is not the first language are required to demonstrate English proficiency. Please consult the graduate school website for required scores.

Degree Requirements 

*Special Topics courses: Can be used as elective credit; when applicable, can be counted towards an area, with advisor’s approval:

ENGL 5325Genre: Theory and Practice3
ENGL 5350 Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution.
ENGL 5390Directed Studies3

*Other Elective Credits: Other graduate courses, from within or outside the English Department, can count for electives, with advisor’s approval.

*ENGL 5391: Written examination over designated materials will be three (3) hours in length, and the oral examination will be one (1) hour in length.

Degree Plan

Required Credits: 36

MA in English & American Literature (All courses require a grade of C or better)
Core Curriculum:
Select one course in each from the following areas:15
Research Methods:
Approach-Methods & Bibliog.
Theory:
Critical Theory and Practice
Studies in English Literature:
British Literature to 1485
British Literature 1485-1660
British Literature 1660-1832
British Lit 1832-Present
Studies in American Literature:
Am. Lit: Exploration to 1800
American Literature 1800-1865
American Literature 1865-1945
American Lit 1945-Present
Studies in Multi-Cultural Literature:
Literature of the Americas
Literature and Culture
Multi-Cult Lit: Theory & Pract
Multi-Cult Lit: Special Topics
Area of Specialization:
Select two additional courses in one of the following areas:6
Studies in English Literature:
British Literature to 1485
British Literature 1485-1660
British Literature 1660-1832
British Lit 1832-Present
Studies in American Literature:
Am. Lit: Exploration to 1800
American Literature 1800-1865
American Literature 1865-1945
American Lit 1945-Present
Studies in Multi-Cultural Literature:
Literature of the Americas
Literature and Culture
Multi-Cult Lit: Theory & Pract
Multi-Cult Lit: Special Topics
Thesis/Exam/Research Option:
Select one of the options6
Other Electives:
Select three additional courses from the following:9
Approach-Methods & Bibliog.
British Literature to 1485
British Literature 1485-1660
British Literature 1660-1832
British Lit 1832-Present
Am. Lit: Exploration to 1800
American Literature 1800-1865
American Literature 1865-1945
American Lit 1945-Present
Critical Theory and Practice
Literature of the Americas
Literature and Culture
Multi-Cult Lit: Theory & Pract
Multi-Cult Lit: Special Topics
Genre: Theory and Practice
Directed Studies
Total Hours36

Thesis Option

ENGL 5398
ENGL 5399
Thesis
and Thesis
6
Total Hours6

Examination Option

ENGL 5391M.A. Written Examination3
Select one additional course from the following:3
British Literature to 1485
British Literature 1485-1660
British Literature 1660-1832
British Lit 1832-Present
Am. Lit: Exploration to 1800
American Literature 1800-1865
American Literature 1865-1945
American Lit 1945-Present
Literature of the Americas
Literature and Culture
Multi-Cult Lit: Theory & Pract
Multi-Cult Lit: Special Topics
Total Hours6

Research Option

ENGL 5392Master of Arts Research Paper3
Select one additional course from the following:3
British Literature to 1485
British Literature 1485-1660
British Literature 1660-1832
British Lit 1832-Present
Am. Lit: Exploration to 1800
American Literature 1800-1865
American Literature 1865-1945
American Lit 1945-Present
Literature of the Americas
Literature and Culture
Multi-Cult Lit: Theory & Pract
Multi-Cult Lit: Special Topics
Total Hours6