Affiliation: School of Arts & Letters
GOALS
The field of English study has become increasingly diverse. It has responded to the theoretical challenges of deconstruction, feminism, Marxism, psychoanalysis, and New Historicism; it has tried to make sense of the postmodern and postcolonial present; it has watched its anthologies swell with the expansion of the canon. An ongoing revolution in the discipline has been occurring, and it is not over yet.
Given this continuing revolution in the field, the Truman graduate program in English offers students flexibility and possibility. In keeping with the mission statement of the University, our program “grows naturally out of the philosophy, values, content, and desired outcomes of a liberal arts education.” Graduate faculty in the program assist students in finding their niche of disciplinary interest, be it in linguistics, literary theory, pedagogy, a particular literature, or creative writing and each student accepted to the program works closely with the Director of Graduate Studies to tailor a course of study that best meets their personal and scholarly goals.
Our program offers a variety of courses in literary theory, composition theory, creative writing, and linguistics (and additional coursework for the graduate teaching assistants). We also offer, based on needs and interests, advanced courses with rotating topics. In accordance with the University mission, students in the program approach “creative and critical thought through effective reading and research.”
English MA candidates who show exceptional promise in college teaching may compete for teaching stipends. As apprentice teachers, they hone their professional techniques and shape philosophies of teaching and composition. Few graduate programs offer such opportunities.
Our ultimate aims are leadership development in a select community of exceptionally able students, scholars, teachers, and creative writers; the nurturing of a lifetime commitment to writing and literature; and, for those who desire it, serious preparation for work at the doctoral level.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants should submit the following materials to the Graduate Dean in the Graduate Office:
- Undergraduate transcripts from an accredited college or university showing an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better.
- Graduate Record Examination scores on the general section, usually above the fiftieth percentile.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- A statement of academic experience, aspiration, and philosophy.
- Other evidence of service and academic promise.
GRE SCORES
Graduate Record Exam percentile rankings corresponding to mean scaled scores for incoming English students, fiscal years 2013 and 2014:
Analytical Writing: 67%
Quantitative: 45%
Verbal: 70%
Average GPA of incoming English MA students, fiscal year 2012: 3.55.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:
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