The MA in American Literature is a one-year postgraduate degree, which focuses on the literature of the United States of America. The aim of the MA is to enable students to engage with contemporary critical debates about the interpretation and contextualisation of American literature. The course offers seminar-style classes for the most part, and students are expected to present papers to the class and to participate in discussions. In addition, students are required to develop an independent research project - the dissertation. These elements of the course provide a framework of structured study in which students can gain the confidence to define and develop their own areas of interest, and to learn and apply the conceptual and methodological skills necessary for postgraduate study.
America is often seen as the new world, a place of liberty and a place for the pursuit of happiness; America is often seen as a new world, a place of imprisonment and the pursuit of enslavement. The literature associated with and drawn from the United States of America reflects many issues associated with this simple split definition. However, such generalisations do not accurately reflect the immense and subtle literary accounts of the USA. The MA in American Literature seeks to examine a number of representative areas of American literary achievement, and courses will explore a broad range of approaches to the topic of America. From drama to poetry, from prose to fiction, we will investigate the exceptional qualities of American literature as we will seek to test such notions to introduce questions about identity and nationhood: America and transAmerica. |
These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.
Applicants for the MA are expected to hold a BA degree or equivalent, with a distinguished record of undergraduate achievement. |
* We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.