Department of English
Location: Ross 1284
Telephone: 970.351.2971
Faculty: Stacy R. Bailey, Ph.D.; Kristin Bovaird -Abbo, Ph.D.; Kenneth Chan, Ph.D.; Joseph Chaves, Ph.D.; Sarah Cornish, Ph.D.; Simon Cropp, M.A.; Molly Desjardins, Ph.D.; Marcus E. Embry, Ph.D.; Lahcen E. Ezzaher, Ph.D.; Emily B. Golson, Ph.D.; Burke Hilsabeck, Ph.D.; Jeraldine Kraver, Ph.D.; Andreas Mueller, Ph.D.; Marc Santos, Ph.D.; Tracey A. Sedinger, Ph.D.; Tara Wood, Ph.D.; Lisa H. Zimmerman, M.F.A.
The discipline of English deals with literature and language and other related subjects such as creative writing, film, folklore, myth, and cultural studies. Creative artists refuse to be limited in their subjects or approaches.
Literature, as one writer has said, is “an eloquent artistic document, infinitely varied, of mankind's journey; the autobiography of the race's soul.” The questions we ask in studying literature are as “infinitely varied” as those asked by poets, playwrights and novelists: What does it mean to be human? How is the individual related to society? By what values should one lead his or her life?
The study of literature and language requires rigorous discipline and sensitivity, a strict adherence to the highest standards of logic, evidence and argumentation, as well as creative response to language and form. One learns to think, research and write critically, while simultaneously developing sensitivity to language and to the complexities of people and situations.
English M.A.
The master's degree program provides focused, in-depth study of literature, practical experiences in literary criticism and research and opportunities for advanced levels of writing. Judicious selection of courses under the guidance of the student's advisor may provide additional focus to the program through special course clusters in areas such as pedagogy, literary theory, rhetoric/composition, or specific periods of interests.
Graduates of the program will be prepared to enter a wide range of fields and/or to pursue additional advanced levels of study such as the Ph.D. in English. The program enables teachers currently in the field to develop special areas of interest, to pursue these in depth, and to enhance their skills in teaching, research, and writing. In addition, graduates can pursue professional study in law, theology, medicine (with appropriate science and mathematics preparation), library science, communications, media, and business. The M.A. in English is excellent preparation for any profession or occupation that stresses language usage, such as writing.
For degree and program requirements, see:
English M.A.