Master of Arts in English
The overall objective of the Master of Arts in English is to provide students with graduate-level skills in analytical and critical thinking, research methodologies, and advanced writing, both scholarly and creative. Students achieve depth of preparation in their areas of literary or linguistics specialization as well as grounding in current critical theory and practice.
Students in the Master of Arts in English program will successfully demonstrate the ability to:
To be admitted as a graduate student in the Master of Arts in English program, a student must have completed a B.A. in English, or its equivalent, with a 3.0 GPA in major coursework. The applicant must submit the standard application materials as indicated in this Graduate Bulletin.
Applicants who have earned undergraduate degrees in fields other than English, or who have been working professionally outside the university setting, are welcome to apply. After a review of their academic preparation by the graduate English faculty, applicants will be required to complete any English or Linguistics courses, either before or during the M.A. program, that the M.A. Program Committee deems necessary for the applicant to successfully pursue graduate study in English.
Applicants must meet the criteria for enrollment as graduate students that are set out in this Graduate Bulletin. Students should also consult the Bulletin for requirements and procedures for application. In order to remain in good standing in the M.A. in English program, a student must attain and maintain a GPA of 3.00 for all graduate courses and any undergraduate courses taken as prerequisites.
The M.A. in English program offers two tracks of study: the Literature Track and the Linguistics Track. Both options require a minimum of 30 credits of 500- and 600- level course work.
The traditional thesis degree path requires at least 24 hours of coursework, 6 credits of thesis (EN695), and an oral defense of the thesis project. The traditional M.A. thesis represents the culminating effort of the degree program and should be at least 45 to 60 pages in length. A thesis project may evolve from course work, a seminar paper, or the professional and scholarly interests of a student. The thesis would be in literary, rhetorical, composition, or linguistic studies, and the student’s thesis committee must approve the topic.
The creative thesis degree path requires at least 24 hours of coursework, 6 credits of thesis (EN695), and an oral defense of the thesis project. The creative thesis project represents the culminating effort of the degree program and should be at least 45 to 60 pages in length. This thesis can be a novella, book of poems, creative essays, non-fictional narrative, or dramatic/cinematic screenplay. The literary quality and scope of each project will be carefully evaluated through consultation with the student’s graduate advisor and committee. The student’s thesis committee must approve the topic.
The Master’s of English program offers two, non-thesis options for degree completion. Both non-thesis options require 30 credits of coursework, to include 18 credits of 600-level EN or LN courses, plus the successful completion of one of the two non-thesis options below.
Working closely with one English faculty member and the chair of the M.A. English degree program, a student will select three research papers to significantly revise for the capstone portfolio. The portfolio will include an introductory essay offering a synthesis and assessment of the student’s achievements in the selected pieces and their application to the student’s current or future scholarship and career goals. Students will defend their final portfolio in an oral presentation open to Program faculty, the university, and island community.
Students choosing this option will write a publishable scholarly manuscript of 25-35 pages, then submit it to a specific peer-reviewed publications identified during the research process. The student's committee, after suggesting revisions to this manuscript, will prepare a short written exam based upon this article that, once completed, will lead to a public presentation of the candidate’s research, findings, and conclusions.
During the first semester of enrollment, students, in consultation with a chosen advisor and the M.A. in English program chair, will decide on an appropriate plan of study. After the completion of 9-12 credits or 3-4 courses, they will qualify to enter their candidacy stage, which involves moving from coursework into the thesis process.
Students on both the Literature and Linguistics Tracks complete their work with a thesis. In addition to the traditional thesis, students on the Literature track may opt for a creative thesis. Students who follow the traditional option are those who desire to increase their mastery of a given content area and might be contemplating doctoral work in the future. Students who select the creative option might be preparing to teach creative writing in the schools, to work as editors and publishers, or will be writing for personal accomplishment.
The thesis process counts for 6 credits. Candidates, in consultation with their advisors, choose how to distribute these credits. The division recommends counting 2-3 credits/semester based on how long the thesis-writing period is projected to be.
Part 1 – Committee Selection. Part 1 of the thesis process commences with:
the selection of a committee chair, whose specialty coincides with the student’s research interest;
the establishment of a thesis committee;
and the completion of the Candidacy Application Form obtainable from the MA Program chair. To establish a thesis committee, the student should choose a graduate faculty member from the M.A. in English program to chair the committee. In consultation with that chair, she or he will form a committee of three to five PhDs. At least one of the members of the committee shall be from the University of Guam’s English and Applied Linguistics Division.
Part 2 – The Research Project. Part 2 involves:
the approval of a thesis proposal; and
the completion of a thesis research project.
Part 3 – The Defense. Part 3 marks the conclusion of the process with the successful oral defense of the thesis. The student together with her or his chair will decide on the format of the defense. One format, for instance, involves the student discussing her or his project in a well-organized twenty-minute presentation (about 8-9 double-spaced pages) followed by questions from the committee. It is important that students practice their presentation beforehand to ensure effective time management of their defense.
Each semester, students are encouraged to sign up for the informal writing sessions that meet each week for three hours. Faculty facilitate some of these; others are student-driven.
The M.A. program in English caters to the needs of non-traditional students who may be working full or part-time. Classes will typically be scheduled later in the afternoon, evenings, and weekends. Finakpo’ courses may be offered.
Students may select full-time or part-time enrollment, according to their needs, financial situation, and work schedule. See the Graduate Office “Instructions to Applicant” for admission details.
Master’s students will have the opportunity to develop their personal writing projects in the Graduate Writing Seminar (EN 620). The workshop structure will enable students from different walks of life to exchange valuable feedback. The topics to be studied include style and voice, narrative technique, characterization, organization of material, and audience analysis, and are suitable for writers looking toward future publication.
The Master of Arts in English Graduate Teaching Instructor Program offers qualified graduate students the opportunity for hands-on training in teaching composition courses for our division. Before applying for a Graduate Teaching Instructor position, interested students must complete 9-12 graduate course hours in DEAL and achieve the status of degree candidate. Applicants must also successfully complete “EN-611: Seminar in Rhetoric and Composition” before applying to teach DEAL composition courses. They must also have completed or be concurrently enrolled in EN650: Teaching College Composition with Practicum. This 6-credit-hour course sequence may be counted towards the 9-12-credit-hour requirement for candidacy. Graduate Teaching Instructor positions offer English graduate students valuable university teacher training and experience that will benefit them in their future career goals.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
EN501 | GRADUATE RESEARCH & DOCUMENTATION + This seminar prepares students to meet the research writing requirements of the Master
of Arts in English degree, including seminar papers and the Master's Thesis. The course
focuses on research methodology as well as the critical, analytical, and rhetorical
skills needed for successful graduate-level research in English studies. Students
review sources, bibliographic literature, and appropriate indexes, both conventionally
and electronically published. Students become skilled in the use of MLA and/or other
documentation styles. Required of all candidates for the Masters of Arts in English.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/AS REQUIRED |
EN680 | CONTEMPORARY CRITICAL THEORY + This is a seminar in advanced topics and problems of contemporary critical theory.
It will benefit students and teachers in literature, cultural history, and education.
The course may be repeated with different topics. Prerequisite: EN501 or consent of
instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/AS REQUIRED |
18 credit hours from the following, 6 of which credits must be taken at the 600-level
These courses may be taken more than once for credit provided that the topics are substantially different.
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
LN440G | TOPICS IN LINGUISTICS + Courses included under this umbrella course provide undergraduate and graduate students
with advanced study of specific topics within the study of language. These topics
focus attention on language use, language analysis, and language learning. Special
attention will be paid, where possible, to Pacific languages and cultures. The course
may be repeated for credit with different topics. Prerequisite: LN300 or consent of
instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
LN440B | TOPICS IN LINGUISTICS: PRAGMATICS + Pragmatics presents an exploration of what we actually do with our language. Following
a cross-cultural approach, the course analyzes the ways we use our language to do
what we want it to do and say what we really mean in various contexts and situations.
Prerequisites: LN300 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
LN500 | APPLIED LINGUISTICS + This course covers methods of teaching English as a second language. It familiarizes
students with test drills, activities, and exercises used in ESL programs. Work on
materials preparation dealing with phonological, syntactical, and semantic problems
is included. Prerequisite: LN300 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
LN502 | HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE + This course traces the history and development of English sounds, morphology, syntax,
orthography, and lexicon from Anglo Saxon times to the present. Topics include the
relationship of English to other Indo-European languages, borrowing, sound change,
syntactic change, morphological change, lexical change, changes in meaning over time,
and some current varieties of world "Englishes." Prerequisite: LN300 or consent of
instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
LN560 | INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLINGUISTICS + This course is an introduction to current sociolinguistic studies. Emphasis is placed
on the nature of the speech community, speech events, societal bilingualism, and language
constraints. Additional emphasis is placed on practical application of basic sociolinguistic
concepts. Prerequisite: LN300 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS |
LN680 | CONTEMPORARY CRITICAL THEORY + This is a seminar in advanced topics and problems of contemporary critical theory.
It will benefit students and teachers in literature, cultural history, and education.
The course may be repeated with different topics. Prerequisite: EN501 or consent of
instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/AS REQUIRED |
EN611 | SEMINAR: RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION + This seminar informs students how rhetorical traditions inform the teaching and major
theories of composition, especially those of modern and postmodern eras. The seminar
examines how cultural factors such as history, ideology, gender, race, ethnicity,
and politics affect composition pedagogy. Prerequisite: EN501 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/AS REQUIRED |
EN620 | GRADUATE WRITING SEMINAR + This graduate seminar in writing enables advanced students to develop manuscripts
for professional development and publication. A workshop structure allows feedback
and criticism from peers and instructor. The course may be repeated for credit when
different subject matter is covered.
|
3 credit hours | AS REQUIRED |
EN640 | SEMINAR: AMERICAN LITERATURE + This seminar offers detailed analyses of the major works of American authors. The
topics can cover the works of one or more authors of one particular region, a movement,
or a period. The course may be repeated for credit when different subject matters
or periods are covered. Prerequisite: EN501 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/AS REQUIRED |
EN650 | TEACHING COLLEGE COMPOSITION WITH PRACTICUM + This one-semester practicum is a requirement for graduate students to gain experience
teaching EN085, EN100, and EN110 in the University of Guam's Composition program.
Students will spend the first half of the semester in seminar. Students will engage
in observation and teaching in the second half of the semester. Although designed
for our University's specific needs, the course provides the theoretical and pedagogical
content and the practicum experience necessary for teaching development and freshman
composition in any diverse post-secondary setting. Prerequisite: EN611 or consent
of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | AS REQUIRED |
LN662 | SECOND LANGUAGE TESTING AND EVALUATION + This is a course in which all the techniques of teaching a second language are united
and related to their effectiveness according to parameters derived from language acquisition
theory and statistical quantification. Prerequisite: Native or native-like proficiency
in English and familiarity with a second language. Also, familiarity with basic arithmetic
and algebra.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
LN663 | SEMINAR IN PSYCHOLINGUISTICS + This course provides fundamental knowledge of psycholinguistics and emphasizes its
interdisciplinary nature. It encompasses the processes underlying the acquisition
of a language and the factors that influence these processes. Prerequisite: LN300.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
LN691 | GRADUATE SEMINAR + This course involves rigorous study of literary authors, genres, modes, or periods.
Although EN691s content will be determined by its instructor and students, the course
emphasizes literary study that incorporates various theoretical approaches; close
reading of all assigned texts; audio, visual, and electronic components; intensive
class discussions; research presentations; and seminar papers. The course may be repeated
for credit when different subject matter or periods are covered. Prerequisite: EN501.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
EN699 | INDEPENDENT READING | 3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
LN695 | THESIS + There are two possible thesis options, Traditional or Creative. The thesis candidate
prepares, for six hours of thesis credit, either a study embodying rigorous scholarly
research or original creative work of near-publishable quality. This course may be
repeated until all six thesis credits are successfully completed. Prerequisites: EN501,
EN680, candidacy in the English Master's Program, and consent of instructor. Prerequisites:
EN501, EN680, candidacy in the English Masters Program, and consent of instructor.
|
1 - 6 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
EN501 | GRADUATE RESEARCH & DOCUMENTATION + This seminar prepares students to meet the research writing requirements of the Master
of Arts in English degree, including seminar papers and the Master's Thesis. The course
focuses on research methodology as well as the critical, analytical, and rhetorical
skills needed for successful graduate-level research in English studies. Students
review sources, bibliographic literature, and appropriate indexes, both conventionally
and electronically published. Students become skilled in the use of MLA and/or other
documentation styles. Required of all candidates for the Masters of Arts in English.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/AS REQUIRED |
EN680 | CONTEMPORARY CRITICAL THEORY + This is a seminar in advanced topics and problems of contemporary critical theory.
It will benefit students and teachers in literature, cultural history, and education.
The course may be repeated with different topics. Prerequisite: EN501 or consent of
instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/AS REQUIRED |
18 credit hours from the following, 6 of which credits must be taken at the 600-level
These courses may be taken more than once for credit provided that the topics are substantially different.
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
EN550 | ENVIRONMENTAL LITERATURE + This course offers intensive trans-disciplinary study of major environmental literary
modes or as part of the history of eco-criticism in the United States, in the region,
and on Guam. This course examines how the environmental movement has shaped and continues
to reshape the academy, physically and philosophically. Prerequisites: EN501 completed,
concurrent enrollment, or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/AS REQUIRED |
EN560 | LITERATURES IN ENGLISH + This course offers an intensive study of representative work of authors writing in
English, or of a related group of authors (e.g., the metaphysical poets, Commonwealth
novelists, or Western Pacific writers). With different subject matter the course may
be taken more than once for credit. Prerequisites: Any 200-level literature course
(in English) or permission of the instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/AS REQUIRED |
EN561 | PACIFIC WOMEN WRITERS + This course entails an intensive study of representative works of Pacific Women Writers
to acquaint students with the contours of this emerging literature in terms of styles,
themes, symbols, images, language, politics, and subject. Students will gain an understanding
of the place of this literature in the larger context of Pacific Literature, Women's
Literature, Minority Literature and Contemporary Literature in English. Prerequisite:
EN111; Any 200-level literature course or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
EN570 | LITERATURES IN TRANSLATION + This course is a study of representative world literature to acquaint the student
with the sweep of history as represented in great works of literature. The course
may be offered in the literatures of Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle
East, and others. The course may be repeated for credit when different subject matter
or periods are covered.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
EN573 | MODERN JAPANESE NOVEL IN TRANSLATION + This course features a study of selected modern Japanese novels against a background
of social, political, and cultural developments from the end of the Meiji period (circa
1912) to the present. Prerequisite: Any 200 level literature course (in English) or
permission of the instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS |
EN580 | LITERARY THEORY + Mimetic, pragmatic, and objective theories are considered in relation to specific
literary works. An emphasis is placed on twentieth-century criticism and contemporary
critical movement and theories. Critical papers are required. Prerequisite: 12 credit
hours in literature courses.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
EN611 | SEMINAR: RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION + This seminar informs students how rhetorical traditions inform the teaching and major
theories of composition, especially those of modern and postmodern eras. The seminar
examines how cultural factors such as history, ideology, gender, race, ethnicity,
and politics affect composition pedagogy. Prerequisite: EN501 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/AS REQUIRED |
EN620 | GRADUATE WRITING SEMINAR + This graduate seminar in writing enables advanced students to develop manuscripts
for professional development and publication. A workshop structure allows feedback
and criticism from peers and instructor. The course may be repeated for credit when
different subject matter is covered.
|
3 credit hours | AS REQUIRED |
EN630 | SEMINAR: BRITISH LITERATURE + This seminar offers detailed analyses of the major works of British authors. The topics
can cover the works of one or more authors of one particular region, a movement, or
a period. The course may be repeated for credit when different subject matters or
periods are covered. Prerequisite: EN501 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/AS REQUIRED |
EN640 | SEMINAR: AMERICAN LITERATURE + This seminar offers detailed analyses of the major works of American authors. The
topics can cover the works of one or more authors of one particular region, a movement,
or a period. The course may be repeated for credit when different subject matters
or periods are covered. Prerequisite: EN501 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/AS REQUIRED |
EN650 | TEACHING COLLEGE COMPOSITION WITH PRACTICUM + This one-semester practicum is a requirement for graduate students to gain experience
teaching EN085, EN100, and EN110 in the University of Guam's Composition program.
Students will spend the first half of the semester in seminar. Students will engage
in observation and teaching in the second half of the semester. Although designed
for our University's specific needs, the course provides the theoretical and pedagogical
content and the practicum experience necessary for teaching development and freshman
composition in any diverse post-secondary setting. Prerequisite: EN611 or consent
of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | AS REQUIRED |
EN660 | SEMINAR: LITERATURES IN ENGLISH + This seminar provides intensive study of selected topics in the various literatures
in English. Topics may include the work of a particular author, group of authors,
movement, or period. The course may be repeated with different topics. Prerequisite:
EN501 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | AS REQUIRED |
EN670 | WORLD LITERATURES IN TRANSLATION + This seminar offers detailed analyses of the major works of famous world authors.
The topics can cover the works of one or more authors of one particular region, a
movement, or a period. The course may be repeated for credit when different subject
matter or periods are covered. Prerequisite (or concurrent with): EN501.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
EN675 | SEMINAR IN POSTCOLONIAL LITERATURE + This course examines topics in postcolonial literature, including the literatures
of empire, colonization, and cross-cultural encounters. Readings will focus on current
postmodernist and postcolonial literatures to emphasize historical contexts, social
attitudes, and contemporary theoretical methods. Prerequisite: EN501 or consent of
instructor.
|
3 credit hours | AS REQUIRED |
EN680 | CONTEMPORARY CRITICAL THEORY + This is a seminar in advanced topics and problems of contemporary critical theory.
It will benefit students and teachers in literature, cultural history, and education.
The course may be repeated with different topics. Prerequisite: EN501 or consent of
instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/AS REQUIRED |
EN691 | GRADUATE SEMINAR + This course involves rigorous study of literary authors, genres, modes, or periods.
Although EN691's content will be determined by its instructor and students, the course
emphasizes literary study that incorporates various theoretical approaches; close
reading of all assigned texts; audio, visual, and electronic components; intensive
class discussions; research presentations; and seminar papers. The course may be repeated
for credit when different subject matter or periods are covered. Prerequisite: EN501.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
EN699 | INDEPENDENT READING | 3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
EN695 | THESIS + There are two possible thesis options, Traditional or Creative. The thesis candidate
prepares, for six hours of thesis credit, either a study embodying rigorous scholarly
research or original creative work of near-publishable quality. This course may be
repeated until all six thesis credits are successfully completed. Prerequisites: EN501,
EN680, candidacy in the English Master's Program, and consent of instructor.
|
1 - 6 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |