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Chair: Krista Ratcliffe, Ph.D.
marquette.edu/english/graduate/index.shtml
Degrees Offered
Master of Arts, Plan B (non-thesis option) only; Doctor of Philosophy
Specializations
Master’s: British and American Literature
Doctoral: American Literature, British Literature
Program Descriptions
The master of arts program in English provides broad coverage of the texts of English and American literature. Through seminar courses, students develop extensive knowledge of literature and demonstrate skill in writing. Students who complete the master’s program at Marquette normally find themselves well prepared for doctoral studies.
The doctorate in English is directed toward comprehensive and intensive knowledge of: literature and language with specialization in one area of British or American literature; the textual, editorial and critical problems and backgrounds of major texts and authors; the principles of literary criticism; the basic tools, methods and application of literary and linguistic research; and pedagogical problems. The program provides practical experience in the teaching of literature, rhetoric and composition to meet the needs of contemporary college education for creative scholars to teach and do research in English.
Teaching and research assistantships are available to candidates for both degrees on a competitive basis. Teaching assistants must successfully complete ENGL 6840 Studies in Rhetoric and Composition Theory: (or equivalent), an orientation program and a weekly practicum. ENGL 6840 Studies in Rhetoric and Composition Theory: will count toward the total degree requirements of both the master of arts and the doctorate.
Prerequisites for Admission
Applicants are expected to have adequate preparation in English and related subjects. A well-rounded program of undergraduate English courses (26 to 30 semester hours) is required. An applicant for the doctoral program must have a master of arts in English.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit, directly to the Graduate School:
- A completed online application form and fee.
- Official transcripts from all current and previous colleges/universities except Marquette.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- A statement of purpose.
- One or two writing samples.
- GRE scores (General Test only).
- (For international applicants only) a TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency.
English
A master’s student is admitted to the Plan B (non-thesis) program which requires 30 credit hours of course work beyond the bachelor’s degree. At least 24 credits must be taken in English Department courses, and at least 24 credits in graduate courses at the 6000-level.
All master’s students must pass a written comprehensive examination to complete the program.
Scope of Knowledge
The department awards a master of arts degree after a student has demonstrated the ability to perform well in the prescribed courses and has passed a comprehensive examination. While we expect our students to distinguish themselves in both areas, we also see these as distinct fields. Achievement in one area does not preclude the need to establish the ability to succeed in the other, nor does achievement in one area guarantee success in the other.
Program Details
A master’s student is required to complete a combined undergraduate and graduate program that includes at least one upper-division or graduate course in each of the following groups. The Marquette courses listed form the models for courses taken elsewhere that will satisfy the program requirements. Students are expected to take 6000-level courses wherever possible, and should consult the rotation of graduate courses schedule on the English graduate Web page at marquette.edu/english/graduate/index.shtml.
Language and Linguistics
| ENGL 6205 | Studies in Language and Linguistics: (also ENGL 6200, ENGL 6210 when content is linguistics) | 3 |
| ENGL 5110 | English Linguistics | 3 |
| ENGL 5120 | Structure of the English Language | 3 |
| ENGL 5130 | History of the English Language | 3 |
| ENGL 5170 | Studies in Language | 3 |
Chaucer and/or Medieval Literature
| ENGL 6210 | Studies in English Literature, the Beginnings to 1500 | 3 |
| ENGL 5410 | British Literature to 1500 | 3 |
| ENGL 5620 | Chaucer | 3 |
Shakespeare
| ENGL 6220 | Studies in Shakespeare: | 3 |
| ENGL 5630 | Shakespeare's Major Plays | 3 |
Renaissance Literature
| ENGL 6215 | Studies in Renaissance Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 5420 | Renaissance Literature: The 16th Century | 3 |
| ENGL 5430 | Renaissance Literature: The 17th Century | 3 |
| ENGL 5640 | Milton | 3 |
Restoration and Eighteenth-Century British Literature
| ENGL 6300 | Studies in Restoration and Eighteenth Century Literature: | 3 |
| ENGL 5440 | The Ages of Dryden and Pope: 1660-1744 | 3 |
| ENGL 5450 | The Age of Johnson: 1744-1790 | 3 |
Nineteenth-Century British Literature
| ENGL 6400 | Studies in Nineteenth-Century British Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 5460 | The Romantic Period: 1790-1837 | 3 |
| ENGL 5470 | Victorian Literature | 3 |
American Literature Before 1900
| ENGL 6600 | Studies in American Literature from the Beginnings to 1900 | 3 |
| ENGL 5510 | Colonial and American Literature from the Beginnings to 1798 | 3 |
| ENGL 5520 | American Literature from 1798 to 1865 | 3 |
| ENGL 5530 | American Literature from 1865 to 1914 | 3 |
Twentieth-Century Literature, British or American
| ENGL 6500 | Studies in Twentieth-Century British Literature: | 3 |
| ENGL 6700 | Studies in Twentieth-Century American Literature: | 3 |
| ENGL 5480 | The Modernist Period in British Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 5490 | The Postmodernist Period in British Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 5550 | Twentieth Century American Literature: The Modern Period | 3 |
| ENGL 5560 | The Contemporary Period in American Literature: 1945 to Present | 3 |
Introduction to Modern Critical Theory and Practice
| ENGL 6820 | Studies in Modern Critical Theory and Practice: | 3 |
English
A doctoral student will follow a program of study defined, in conjunction with an adviser, on an approved Doctoral Program Planning Form. A minimum of 54 credit hours of course work is required beyond the bachelor’s degree (24 credit hours beyond the master’s degree) plus 12 hours of dissertation credit. A doctoral student must show competence in one foreign language in which there is significant scholarly literature in his or her program field. The choice of language must be approved by the director of graduate studies. The student must complete all requirements listed on the Doctoral Program Planning Form, pass a qualifying examination and successfully defend a dissertation to complete the program.
Program Details
A doctoral student is expected to complete the requirements defined for the master’s program, but must include ENGL 8282 Studies in Modern Critical Theory and Practice: and ENGL 8830 Dissertation Tutorial. Additional course work for the doctorate will be recommended or required according to the needs of the student and will be defined on the Doctoral Program Planning Form. Students are individually advised at each registration.
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