Master of Arts in English Literature

Program Description

Welcome to the Graduate Program for the Master of Arts in English Literature. Please have a look and contact us with any questions or requests for further information.

While maintaining a strong emphasis in British and American literary traditions as well as established forms of literary scholarship, the program is committed to the teaching of multicultural literatures written in English and to encouraging the pursuit of a broad range of theoretical, historical and interdisciplinary concerns. Our rigorous, but flexible, curriculum is supported by a dedicated and innovative faculty actively involved in research, course development, and programs of study organized by students' individual interests and objectives.

Hofstra's MA in English Literature may be used as the basis for further graduate study, in an MFA or Ph.D. program, or (with further course work in Education) as a terminal degree for high school certification. It is a way to strengthen the profiles of students who are interested in pursuing careers that include writing, teaching, and publishing, and it offers enrichment to those who are interested in the study of writing and literature as a humane and fulfilling activity.

Electives, Distribution Requirements and the Changing Curriculum

Reflecting continuing developments in literary, theoretical and cultural studies, our evolving curriculum includes an ever-growing set of courses. In past years we have offered courses in such areas as Literature and Psychoanalysis; Autobiography and Life Writing; 19th and 20th Century British Women Novelists; The Literature of Empire; The "Problem" of Women in the Early Modern Period; Spenser and Donne; From City to Suburb in Anglo-American Culture; Contemporary Historical Fiction; and Wharton and James. In coming years, we shall offer these and other courses in Literature and Science; Native American Literature; American Gothic and Grotesque; Black Mountain Poets; South Asian Writiers; Joyce; and The Literature of Race, Ethnicity and Immigration.

Course Selection, Enrollment and Scheduling

Due to increases in enrollment, there are now six or seven graduate courses offered per semester, as well as several graduate courses during Summer Sessions. Course enrollment is capped at 15 students per class to accommodate the increased enrollment. Semester-long courses meet once a week, Monday through Thursday, at various evening and afternoon time slots. Summer classes meet twice each week, in the evenings.