Master of Arts Degree in English: Concentration in Literature
Program Description
The SFSU graduate literature program develops professional skills, aims for breadth of knowledge, and provides opportunities for specialization. The program seeks to serve at least three constituencies of students: those who either teach or want to teach at the secondary or community college level; those who want to go on for the Ph.D.; and those who have no professional objectives in English but want to continue their studies in the discipline for their own intellectual development. Our graduates work as teachers in high schools and community colleges, enter the field of publishing, write for journals, magazines, and online publications, earn Ph.D.s, enter law school, start their own businesses, and find their calling in the political sphere, working for non-profits, foundations, and other government agencies.
The program has an active student organization, the Graduate Literature Association, which holds regular events and publishes Interpretations, a student-edited academic journal. We also have opportunities for student teaching, including a teaching assistantship and practicum.
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Department course offerings are divided into two broad categories, “Literary History” and “Literary Theories and Methods” (see below). Course requirements engage students in the investigation of literature written in English from Britain, the United States, and former British colonies, and critical theory, but also allow students the flexibility to design and personalize their Master’s program to meet their diverse interests.
Every student should read carefully the description and requirements of the M.A. Literature program in the SFSU Bulletin. The English Department Course Descriptions are published every semester just before advising day, and are also available online at http://www.sfsu.edu/~english/course.html. Further information about the department, its faculty, and its programs is available on this website.
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Admission Procedures
Admission to the program is competitive. It is also a two-part process: you must submit application materials to both Graduate Studies and the English Department. GRE is not required for admission to the program.
Part I: Application to Graduate Studies:
- Complete an online application with Graduate Studies through CSU Mentor at http://www.csumentor.edu/AdmissionApp/. NOTE: do not submit your Statement of Purpose to Graduate Studies, as it will be included with the materials you send to the department. On page 9 of the Graduate Studies Application, simply state that your personal statement has been sent directly to the English Department.
- Send one set of transcripts from all colleges attended to Graduate Studies.
The phone number for Graduate Studies is (415) 338-2234.
Part II: Application to the English Department:
Send the following materials together in one package directly to the English Department:
- Your completed English Department M.A. Literature application.Download interactive PDF
- A 1-2 page typed statement of purpose detailing why you are interested in the study of Literature (#9 on the Literature application).
- One writing sample (a critical or scholarly essay of 5-10 pages, preferably one written as part of a literature course).
- One set of official transcripts from all colleges attended.
- Two or more academic letters of recommendation (preferably from one of your current or former literature professors). Letters of recommendation may be sent under separate cover. Download form here (PDF)
These documents should be on file in the English Department no later than February 1 for fall admission, or October 1 for spring admission. International applicants should submit their materials by January 1 for fall admission or September 1 for spring admission.
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Admission Categories
Once a student has been admitted to the graduate program in Literature, s/he may be given CLASSIFIED standing if (a) s/he has completed an undergraduate degree in English comparable to the undergraduate major program at SFSU, and (b) s/he has achieved a grade point average of at least 3.0 in the major. This CLASSIFIED graduate student is ready to take English 741, the seminar which functions as a “portal course” to further seminar work. Students admitted in one of the three categories described below may not take seminars in the range 741-790 until they have achieved CLASSIFIED status.
These are the three categories of CONDITIONAL CLASSIFIED status:
1. CC/SD (Conditional Classified/Subject Deficiency): Usually given to students who have an undergraduate major other than English (with a 3.0 or higher GPA), or a background showing substantial personal interest in literature. This applicant will be required to complete a specified number of upper-division courses in literature determined by the admissions committee. These courses may not be credited toward the 10-course M.A. program.
2. CC/P (Conditional Classified/GPA Deficiency): Usually given to students with an undergraduate English major GPA of 2.5–2.9 (without 9 or more units of graduate English courses taken with a GPA of 3.0 or higher). This applicant will be required to complete a specified number of courses (upper-division or possibly seminars) determined by the admissions committee with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Once completed, these course do become part of the 10-course M.A. program.
3. CC/SD & P (Conditional Classified, with both Subject and GPA Deficiency): Usually given to students with a course record described in (1) above with a GPA of 2.5–2.9.
Advising
When a student is admitted, the graduate secretary assigns her to an adviser of record, but a student with CLASSIFIED status may switch advisers at any time.
All newly admitted students are required to see their advisers before their first semester of attendance, if possible, or by the second week of classes. The Graduate Coordinator also offers a general advising orientation just before the start of each new semester. Information about this orientation is usually announced to all new students by mail or email. It is recommended that students see their advisers to shape their programs initially and then to gain approval for subsequent course choices. In general, contact your adviser for an appointment.
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Program Requirements
The M.A. Program in Literature is designed both to give students a broad background in literature written in English and to provide the opportunity for in-depth study. A minimum of 10 courses (30 units) is required to complete the program. Whether a student chooses the “General Studies Emphasis” or the “Special Studies Emphasis” (see below), s/he must adhere to the following general course requirements:
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All students must take ENG 741: Theories of Literature, the program portal course, preferably at the beginning of degree study; and all students must enroll in ENG 898: Master’s Thesis, as their “culminating experience.” These courses comprise the “frame” of the program, and count toward the 7 courses (21 units) that must be taken in courses numbered 700 or above.*
A total of 5 additional courses (15 units) must also be taken in courses numbered 700 or above. 3 of these courses (9 units) must be seminars numbered 711, 712, 742–790. The other two courses may be other seminars in this range, and/or ENG 717: Projects in the Teaching of Literature, and/or ENG 899: Special Study.
Up to 3 courses (9 units), then, may be upper-division courses in literature (500- and 600-level) used to fill in those well-known “gaps” in one’s preparation. Alternatively, those 3 courses may be a mix of graduate seminars and upper-division courses.
*(Note: Courses in grammar and composition pedagogy, such as English 657, 704, 705, 715, and 716, may not be included. However, courses from other departments related to a student’s particular field of interest—up to six units with approval of adviser—may be counted.)
General and Special Studies Emphasis
Students must choose to do either a General Studies or Special Studies Emphasis. A description of both emphases is below.
General Studies Emphasis
Most students choose to do the General Studies Emphasis. In addition to satisfying the General Course Requirements of the MA Literature program, students selecting the General Studies Emphasis are expected to fulfill the following requirements:
1. One course (minimum 3 units) from those designated under the category Literary History as follows:
Undergraduate courses: 501; 503*; 504; 508*; 509; 510; 512*; 514; 516; 520; 521*; 522; 525*; 526; 527; 528; 529; 531; 532; 533; 535; 546; 550; 551; 552; 553; 554; 555; 556; 557; 558; 559; 570; 571; 573; 574; 580; 583; 584; 589
Graduate proseminars and seminars: 711, 712, 750–789
Or classes approved by an advisor.
*(Note: The asterisked courses might be conceivable as “Literary Theories and Methods” depending on the approach being taken by the instructor. These courses can count under “Literary Theories and Methods” only with the permission of an adviser.)
2. One course (minimum 3 units) from those designated under the category Literary Theories and Methods as follows (this is in addition to English 741):
Undergraduate courses: 429, 600, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 610, 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 618, 630, 631, 633, 634, 635.
Graduate seminars: 742; 744; 745; 746; 747; 748; 790; 800
Or classes approved by an advisor.
(N.B.: The department recommends two courses from categories 1 and 2 above, and that at least one from each category be a graduate seminar, 742–790 range.)
Early Period Requirement: 3 of the 30 units (1 course) in the General Studies Emphasis must be chosen from courses in literature before 1800. The early period requirement may be met by courses that also fulfill the above listed requirements (for example, the early period course might also count as the “Literary History” required course, or it might count as an elective). Thus, the early period requirement is a distribution requirement, not a course requirement.
Special Studies Emphasis
Under Special Studies, students still must satisfy the General Course Requirements for the MA Literature Program (English 714, etc), but are not bound by the requirements of the General Studies Emphasis. The Special Studies Emphasis is often a good option for students who wish to take a more interdisciplinary approach to their study of literature or whose proposed filed of study (for example, cultural criticism) might not fall readily within the "Literary History" and "Literary Theories and Methods" categories. Students following this track proposed an independent program of study and can take up to 12 units--with the approval of his or her advisor-- outside of the English Department.
Students who wish to pursue the Special Studies track must define their course of study in a written proposal submitted early in their graduate career, before completing 12 units (4 of 10 courses). The proposal must be signed by the student's graduate advisor and the Gradiate Coordinator.
Culminating Experience
The culminating experience for the M.A. in Literature consists of three parts: the prospectus, the oral examination, and the thesis. Before undertaking these, students ready for ENG 898 must discuss their idea(s) for the thesis with their adviser and/or the faculty members they would like to serve as readers. After the thesis committee has been established, the student must submit the prospectus to his or her committee members. The prospectus then becomes the basis for the oral exam, which is scheduled before a student begins writing the thesis. The prospectus is a written statement, usually including the controlling purpose of the thesis; the selection of literary sources; an overview of the relevant scholarship and criticism; and the value and interest of the study. The oral is a one-hour discussion of the prospectus conducted by the two thesis readers. Please consult "The Prospectus and the Thesis: Guidelines for M.A. Literature Students" handout available in HUM 289 (or available online by clicking here), and look for the GLA “Thesis Workshop” offered every Fall semester.
Seminar Grading: The department uses an A-F grading scale for all of its courses, including graduate seminars. Graduate students whose GPA falls below 3.0 are placed on probationary status; therefore, students receiving severals Bs or below should consult their graduate adviser.
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Advising
All incoming MA students are assigned an advisor by the graduate secretary. Students should check their admission letter for their advisor's name and contact information.
As students become more familiar with the department, they may wish to change their advisor. Students may do on their own without notifying the department office, but should keep their advisors informed of any changes. Until that time, students are welcome -- and encouraged -- to meet with their assigned advisor.
All newly admitted students are required to see their advisors before their first semester of attendance, if possible, or by the second week of classes. It is recommended that students see their advisors to shape their programs initially and then to gain approval for subsequent course choices. In general, students should contact their advisor for an appointment.
For a list of graduate advisors, please click here.
Opportunities and Resources in the English Department and at SFSU
- English 803: Teaching Practicum
- English 899: Special (Independent) Study
Students who have demonstrated ability to do independent work may apply to Registed for Special Study (English 899). Before registering, the student must have a special study petition approved and signed by the department chair and the instructor who has agreed to supervise the student. Petition available in the English Department office.
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- UC Berkeley Cross Registration Program
SFSU students can enroll in up to one course at UC Berkeley per semester, provided SFSU does not offer a similar course. Students must enroll under SFSU's system in order for these units to be counted as SFSU units.
To learn more about how you can take advantage of this program, see Special Enrollment Programs in the SFSU Bulletin.
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- Composition and Reading Certificates
- Graduate Teaching Associate
G.T.A. Opportunities
In order to prepare graduate students for the work of teaching effectively, and to provide some financial support, the Composition program reserves ten (10) slots each year for graduate teaching assistants (GTAs).
Course requirements:
- Either English 705 or English 709 must be completed before beginning the GTA year.
- Both English 705 and English 709 must be completed by the end of the first semester of the GTA year.
- English 718, Supervisory Teaching Experience, a course that provides support and supervision for new teachers, must be taken during the first semester of the teaching year.
Enrollment requirements:
- A GTA must be matriculated as a regular SFSU student while teaching.
- For complete university policies, see the online Bulletin at http://www.sfsu.edu/--bulletin/current/gradreqs.htm#18752.
Application procedures:
- Applications are accepted in spring semester for positions that begin the following fall semester.
- Candidates submit up-to-date transcripts, a personal statement, and three (3) letters of recommendation.
- Candidates also take a screening examination covering the theory and practice of teaching composition and reading.
- All qualified candidates are invited for interview
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- Teaching and Tutoring Opportunities
Tutoring and Teaching Opportunities at SFSU
English Tutoring Center (ETC)
1 unit of English 899 for every two weekly students
HUM 290
(415) 338-1821
etc@sfsu.edu
http://www.sfsu.edu/~etc/
Learning Assistance Center (LAC)
Paid tutoring, around $10 an hour
HSS 348
(415) 338-1993
lac@sfsu.edu
http://www.sfsu.edu/~lac/
Campus Academic Resource Program (CARP)
Paid tutoring, around $10 an hour
HSS 344
(415) 405-0971
carp1@sfsu.edu
http://www.sfsu.edu/~carp1/
Teaching Assistant Practicum (TA)
3 units of English 803
For more information:
http://www.sfsu.edu/~english
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- English Department Scholarships
- Academic Honors and Fellowships Office
- Travel Funding (Word doc) -- suspended due to the state budget crisis
- Library Guide for MA Students in Literature (PDF)
Graduate Literature Association
The Graduate Literature Association (GLA) is the MA in Literature's student organization. All students pursuing an MA in English Literature at SFSU are automatically members. The GLA organizes a variety of social activities, academic and career workshops, and scholarly conferences. It also oversees a student listserve, advocates on the behalf of students, and publishes Interpretations, a student-edited academic journal. For more information, please see the GLA's website: http://userwww.sfsu.edu/~gla/
Careers in English
Below are some resources for pursuing a career in English:
- Community college teaching
- For ECCTYC information on "Employment in the California Community Colleges: Desirable Qualifications for M.A. in English Graduate Students" click here (PDF).
- To download the TYCA's "Guidelines for the Academic Preparation of English Faculty at Two-Year Colleges" click here (PDF).
- Ph.D.s
- For a list of universities where recent BA and MA graduates in English Literature have gone on to do their doctoral programs, please click here.
Universities where recent BA and MA graduates in English Literature have gone on to do PhDs
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| UC Berkeley |
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee |
| Stanford |
Rutgers |
| Columbia |
Brandeis |
| Cornell |
University of Southern California |
| UCLA |
Ohio State University |
| UC Irvine |
Boston University |
| UC Santa Cruz |
University of Oregon |
| UC Santa Barbara |
University of Arizona |
| UC Riverside |
University of New Mexico |
| UC Davis |
University of Connecticut |
| The University of Chicago |
Emory University |
| New York University |
Washington State University |
| CUNY Graduate Center |
SUNY Binghamton |
| University of Texas |
SUNY Buffalo |
| University of Minnesota |
SUNY Stony Brook |
| University of Washington |
SUNY Albany |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
University of Notre Dame |
| University of Illinois |
George Washington University |
| Carnegie Mellon University |
University of Florida |
| Bowling Green State University |
University of Hawaii |
| University College Dublin |
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- For MLA information on planning a career after graduate school, please click here.
- For information on career outlook for PhDs in English, please click here.
- High school teaching
- For information on Careers in Teaching High School please click here.
Some MA English Literature students may wish to go on to obtain a teaching credential. Students who wish to teach English at the middle or high school level usually pursue a Single Subject Teaching Credential Program. At SFSU, this program is overseen by the College of Education.
While the English Department does not itself offer secondary school teaching credentials, it does offer a Concentration in English Education as part of its BA program which is designed to prepare undergraduate students for a Single Subject Teaching Credential Program. For more information, please visit http://www.sfsu.edu/~english/?page=ba_enged.
While graduate students would most likely not take all of the courses for the Concentration as part of a MA program, graduate students who plan to pursue a single subject credential should attempt to take graduate equivalents of any courses they are missing from their undergraduate careers, as these are the same courses required for a subject matter competency in English (a pre-requisite to entry into a credential program).
For more information on SFSU's credential programs, please contact the Credential Services Teacher Preparation Center (CSTPC): http://www.sfsu.edu/~cstpc/.
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- Publishing
- For a list of internship opportunities in print media click here.
- For a UCB Career Center's list of internship opportunities in publishing and journalism click here.
Forms and Guidelines
For more information contact:
Department of English
San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94132
415/338-2660
Inquiries concerning admission to the university, application forms, the university Bulletin, financial aid, etc. should be addressed to:
Graduate Studies Division, ADM 250
San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, California 94132.
Graduate Division
415/338-2234
SFSU on the Internet
For access to the University Bulletin (catalog), Class Schedule, academic department web-sites, and other campus information, visit SFSU on the World Wide Web: http://www.sfsu.edu
