English and Cultural Studies, M.A.

Program

The MA in English and Cultural Studies offers students valuable opportunities to exchange ideas in graduate coursework and to pursue independent research in literary studies, cultural studies, and/or critical theory.

Candidates for the M.A. in English and Cultural Studies will complete one of two possible streams.

Course-based stream: Students in the course-based stream complete six elective one-term graduate courses or their equivalent, with grades of at least B- in each, and one required core course (ECS 799), assessed on a pass/fail basis. ECS 799 acts as a hub for student-centred community and discussion regarding the Public Humanities, with a particular focus on writing with/in/for communities. Students in this course devise independent public-facing research or research-creation projects and present at a summer colloquium.

MRP stream: Students in the MRP (Major Research Project) stream complete five elective one-term graduate courses (or their equivalent) over the fall and winter terms, with grades of at least B- in each. They also take one required core course (ECS 733) assessed on a pass/fail basis, in the winter term. ECS 733 focuses on research methods in English and Cultural Studies and acts as a hub for supporting students as they begin planning independent work on their MRPs. Students are welcome to pursue Major Research Projects that engage literary studies, cultural studies, critical theory, and/or synergies between these fields. In late spring students present MRP work in progress at a colloquium and during the summer write a Major Research Project of 7,500 to 10,000 words (30 to 40 pages).

The M.A. degree normally requires one full year to complete.

Admission

The minimum admission requirement is a four-year undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or disciplines, and with an average of B+ in at least six full or twelve half courses beyond the introductory level.