• The MA degree culminates in the writing of a scholarly essay that develops a sustained critical argument over the course of 25 to 30 pages. The MA essay generally arises out of a student’s coursework; it is written during the second year of the MA program under the supervision of a faculty sponsor.
  • The essay gives students the opportunity to pursue topics suggested by their coursework in greater detail and at greater length, and it reflects a substantial course of independent reading and research.
  • Students present their projects publicly at the MA symposium held at the end of the Spring semester, which is attended by faculty sponsors and readers, other interested faculty members, and graduate and undergraduate students in English as well as other disciplines.