The M.A. degree encourages intellectual discovery while also preparing students for future doctoral work by training them in recognized fields of study. The degree usually requires 30 credit hours of coursework (typically, ten courses): students take an introduction to critical theory in their first semester; the remainder of their coursework consists of pro-seminars and seminars. To complete the degree, students submit and defend a dossier of three papers, initially written for their courses and revised in light of the dossier’s presentation as a culminating work. Refer to the Course Catalog for specific M.A. requirements.