Program Overview
Southern New Hampshire University's online MA in English program enhances analytical, creative thinking, and communication skills through a comprehensive study of literary traditions and critical analysis. The program culminates in a capstone project, preparing graduates for careers in writing-related fields, teaching, or further academic pursuits.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The online Master of Arts (MA) in English program at Southern New Hampshire University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of literary traditions and the critical analysis of literature. The core focus is on enhancing analytical, creative thinking, and communication skills that are highly valued and versatile in the workplace. The program culminates in a capstone course where students can choose to complete a thesis, submit a portfolio, or take an examination on English and American Literature.
Outline:
Course Schedule and Structure:
The program is designed to be completed in 15 months, with students taking two courses per 10-week term. Classes are offered online, providing flexibility to learn on your own schedule and access course materials 24/7.
Module Descriptions:
The program includes a variety of courses that explore different aspects of English literature and language. These include:
- Graduate Studies in Victorian Literature: Explores the social, political, and intellectual changes reflected in the literature of the Victorian period. Featured authors include Tennyson, the Brownings, Dickens, Charlotte Bronte, and Wilde.
- Graduate Studies in Shakespeare: Examines selected Shakespearian comedies, tragedies, and history plays, as well as the Elizabethan era in which Shakespeare lived.
- Graduate Studies in the American Renaissance: Explores literature from the early 1800s to the end of the Civil War in 1865. Examines the development of American literature influenced by European intellectual and aesthetic movements. Featured authors include Irving, Poe, Hawthorne, Emerson, Thoreau, Melville, Douglass, Dickinson, and Whitman.
- American Modernism: Explores the literary modernism movement in the context of American historical, social, technological, intellectual, and political experience from the end of World War I to the 1950s. Features fiction, poetry, and critical essays by major American authors and poets of the period.
- Graduate Studies in Postcolonial Encounters: Focuses on the interdisciplinary aspects of literature silenced by colonial powers, known as "subaltern." Delves into notions of power, powerlessness, margin, and globalization.
- The Black Literary Tradition: Overview of African-American literature, including African and Caribbean literature. Examines genres such as slave narratives, poetry, short stories, novels, and plays. Featured authors may include Booker T. Washington, Zora Neale Hurston, Ralph Ellison, Chinua Achebe, and Toni Morrison.
Assessment:
Assessment in the program is based on various methods, including:
- Written assignments: Essays, research papers, and creative writing assignments are used to evaluate students' understanding of the course material and their ability to apply critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Class participation: Active participation in class discussions and online forums is assessed to gauge students' engagement and understanding of the subject matter.
- Exams: Midterm and final exams are used to assess students' overall knowledge and comprehension of the course material.
- Capstone project: Students complete a thesis, portfolio, or examination as their capstone project, which demonstrates their ability to conduct independent research and present their findings effectively.
Teaching:
The program is taught by highly credentialed and accomplished instructors with deep insights into the field of English literature and a passion for literary pursuits. Instructors use a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Instructors deliver lectures to provide foundational knowledge and introduce key concepts.
- Class discussions: Students engage in class discussions to share their perspectives, ask questions, and deepen their understanding of the course material.
- Online forums: Asynchronous online forums allow students to engage in discussions and share ideas with classmates outside of class time.
- Workshops: Students participate in workshops to develop their writing skills and receive feedback from instructors and peers.
- Independent research: Students conduct independent research projects to explore their interests in specific areas of English literature.
Careers:
Graduates of the MA in English program are well-equipped for a variety of roles in writing-related fields, such as:
- Advertising, marketing, and promotions
- Public relations
- Fundraising
- Nonprofit administration
- Technical writing The program also provides valuable credentials for individuals pursuing a teaching career, as it includes coursework in the teaching of writing and the option of a 3-credit internship. Graduates are prepared to teach in community colleges or online courses at the undergraduate level.