Department of English
M.A. Language Emphasis

Specific Requirements

The M.A. Language emphasis offers a concentration in the study of the English language, with courses in linguistics, the structure and history of the English language, and literature. The range of available courses is designed to give students the latitude to design programs of study suited to their individual professional interests in the field of English language and linguistics. The student who selects the Language emphasis must work closely with his or her advisor and committee in planning this program of study.

1. General Requirements. See the section above on general master's degree requirements.

2. Course Requirements. (Note that English 281 is a prerequisite for all linguistics courses.)

a) Research Methods. English 711 and 717 are required and should be taken at the earliest opportunity. English 711 is customarily offered each fall semester.

b) Language Courses. Three credits must be chosen from the following: English 713, 714, 715.

c) Language Electives. Nine additional credits must be chosen from the following: English 611B, 612A, 612B, 614A, 613B, 617A, 617B, 617C, 692C, 713, 714, 715, 718, 719, 720, 738, 739, 740, 749, 750.

d) Other Electives. Other courses should be selected in consultation with the student's advisory committee to complement the student's interest in language. Courses may include graduate courses in English, including additional courses among those listed under b) and c) above. They may also include no more than two of the following: ANTH 605, 611, 614, 615, 616, 620, 629, 655, 713; BASQ 655; FLL 655, 658; GER 655, 658; PHIL 606; PSY 733.

3. Comprehensive Examination (written). At the completion of course work, the student must pass written examinations administered by his or her advisory committee. In Plan A, the written examination will last four hours. Two hours of the exam will be based on the student's course work, and two hours will be based on basic linguistic principles, history and structure of the English language, and English dialects. In Plan B, the exam will last six hours, with three hours based on course work and three hours on the basic materials specified above. The questions will ask that the student demonstrate both specific information and a broader understanding of concepts important to the study of language.

4. Thesis (Plan A). The student writing a thesis should submit a prospectus to his or her advisory committee before beginning to write the thesis. The thesis will be written with the guidance of the chair and committee.

5. Comprehensive Examination (oral) and Thesis Defense. Approximately three weeks after passing the written examination, the Plan B candidate will take an oral examination lasting no longer than one and a half hours, administered by the student's advisory committee. Like the written examination, the oral exam will be based on the student's knowledge of the structure and history of the language and on the student's course work, although its range may be broader. For a student studying under Plan A, the oral exam will be given when the thesis is completed and approved by the advisory committee. While the exam will focus on the student's own research, it may also explore areas in which the student has had course work. The student must register for English 795, Comprehensive Examination, one credit, the semester he or she will be completing the oral exam.

Last Updated: January 2, 2009