Two years
$3,000 per academic year
Overview
The MA programme in English Literature allows students to examine interconnections between culture and literature in-depth. The programme provides understanding of the literary elements from various perspectives, theoretical and applied, as well as enables studies of different literary texts within their social, historical and cultural context. The educational component incorporated in the programme allows graduates to pursue a teaching career related to English subjects at both secondary and tertiary levels. The MA is suitable for students who have specialisms in English Language/Linguistics/Applied Linguistics/TESOL/English Literature or any other speciality which is related to English language and/or literature at undergraduate level.
The programme presumes full-time study, 180 credits in one academic year. The second year or six months of the second year in case the student shows excellent academic results in all the subjects after the first year (90% out of 100% in comprehensive examinations at the end of semester I and II) and is able to complete MA thesis in half of a year (research supervisor approval at the end of semester III is required) is devoted to work on MA thesis on a topic of English Literature/Teaching English Literature.
Moreover, the Kurdistan region needs graduates with both advanced degrees and skills relevant to the workplace. The University of Kurdistan Hewlêr is committed to developing employable graduates ensuring that:
- Career development skills are incorporated in all modules;
- Staff are provided with up-to-date information on labour market trends and employers’ requirements to students.
- Students are provided with sophisticated critical skills and broad knowledge base which enables the further study at PhD level, yet it is also relevant to teaching and a range of other professions in educational, scientific, cultural, media and other sectors.
Admission Requirements
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Undergraduate Degree: BA in English or related fields with an overall average of 60% or above.
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English Language Proficiency: Minimum English Language requirement is 58 in PTE – 6.5 in IELTS or 86 in TOEFL iBT. All applicants (International or public university) must do one of these tests.
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Equalised transcript is required for students who have graduated from international institutions
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Official Transcripts: Provide a copy of your undergraduate transcript with your application.
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A copy of your passport and national ID.
Curriculum
The programme includes Research Methods in Literary Studies, English Renaissance Literature, Literary Criticism, Classical Approaches and Innovations and Contemporary Anglo-American Literature, and Fiction Interpretation or an elective module from Applied Linguistics and TESOL programme in the first semester. The second semester includes Modern British Drama, The Contemporary Short Story, English Romantic Poetry, and Comparative Literature, or an elective module from TESOL programme. Finally, the third and fourth semester include master’s thesis in English Literature (Literary Criticism/Teaching English Literature).
Skills Development
On successful completion of this programme graduates should have the ability to demonstrate the following knowledge, understanding and skills:
Knowledge and Understanding
K1 In-depth knowledge of some periods of English and American Literature, classical and contemporary approaches to the theories of literary criticism, the theory of literature and fiction interpretation applied in the study of various chronological periods, as well as an advanced knowledge of methods of teaching English literature at secondary and tertiary levels.
K2 The ability to situate literary analysis within dominant cultural discourses.
K3 Understand what constitutes a well-developed literary research problem and solution; demonstrate the ability to involve substantial and detailed investigation of a particular aspect of English Literature/Teaching Literature, implementing the thesis project with awareness of generic writing conventions; show familiarity with the interdisciplinary connections of literary studies.
K4 A deep understanding of different classical and contemporary approaches to literary criticism together with peculiarities of literary process, author’s and reader’s presence, and the role of the literary process in the formation of English literary language as a dominant feature of English-speaking culture on the international map in the era of globalisation.
K5 A sound grasp of the theory of Literary Studies and Teaching Methodology that presumes a decent level of critical thinking and understanding of the integrative role of philology in the context of contemporary Literary Criticism and Pedagogy.
K6 A wide knowledge of general research methodology and specific research methods of fiction interpretation.
K7 A systematic understanding of knowledge and critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of students’ academic discipline, field of study, or area of professional practice.
Intellectual (thinking) skills
I1 Ability to analyse a text from literary perspective in its artistic, historical, literary and social context, using methods and tools of the theory of literature.
I2 Ability to think critically and evaluate texts of various genres and styles, text interpretations and critiques, to produce both verbal and written philological products of text analysis.
I3 Ability to identify and discuss the main categories and concepts necessary for any critical literary activity.
I4 Advanced understanding of categories, theories, terms and approaches in literary studies and teaching English literature.
I5 Mature ability to give and receive constructive criticism of students’ own and others’ work.
I6 Capacity for independent thought and judgement.
Practical Skills
P1 Demonstrate professional oral and written communication abilities along with advanced professional presentational, teaching, research, synthesis, data analysis and argumentation skills that would enable a graduate to make confident speeches, clear presentations of research conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
P2 Advanced use of appropriate scholarly terminology; an ability to articulate how different cultural contexts affect the nature of literature; ability to produce a sophisticated response to the central role of language in the creation of a literary meaning;
P3 The scholarly skills appropriate to discipline, including accurate citation of sources and use of bibliographical conventions.
P4 Ability to use analytical skills in identifying complex problems and solutions in teaching English literature to learners of various age groups.
P5 Sophisticated awareness of generic conventions and shaping effects upon communication of context, authorship, textual production and intended recipients.
P6 The ability to acquire quickly substantial quantities of complex information of various types in a structured way, involving the use of well-developed interpretive skills; the ability to read and interpret complex texts and scholarly literature referred to the theory of literary criticism.
P7 Ability to design, plan and implement research in the chosen discipline.
P8 Interpersonal and team skills related to the ability to work flexibly and creatively with other people and engage in rational debate, exercise initiative and personal responsibility, decision-making skills in complex and unpredictable situations.
Common Skills
C1 Advanced ability to develop and appreciate a forthright debate.
C2 Appreciation and understanding of diverse cultures, languages, national and world literature based on exposure to diverse sources and ideas.
C3 Advanced skills in critical reasoning.
C4 Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline.