THE MASTER OF ARTS PROGRAM
We have designed the master's program with the goals and needs of a variety of students in mind. For those who are interested in eventually applying to Ph.D. programs, but would first like a stronger background in either the traditional or the newer fields, we can provide a solid and up-to-date grounding in the received canon of literature in English, and in the newer canons in the making, in rigorous scholarly methods and in cutting edge theoretical approaches. For well-grounded students who seek a greater sense of direction and specialization before undertaking Ph.D. work, we provide a range of seminars, emphasizing the development of theoretical and methodological sophistication. In addition, for students whose immediate goals include secondary education, publishing or related fields, we offer advanced courses in the theory, practice and teaching of composition, special "reading and teaching" and "writing and teaching" courses devoted to integrating interpretive, writing and teaching skills, and the same honing of research skills.
M.A IN IRISH LITERATURE AND CULTURE
The MA in Irish Literature and Culture offers English Department candidates the opportunity to design an interdisciplinary course of study drawing from a wide range of fields, including literature, Irish language, history, women's studies, American studies, fine arts, music and cultural studies. Many graduates of the program continue their studies at the Ph.D. level. Others immediately pursue careers in public and higher education; some enter related fields such as publishing, journalism and public relations. Candidates seeking the degree must fulfill the course requirements of 30 credits within two years. At least 12 of these must be in Irish literature courses in the English Department and an additional 3 in an Irish Studies course offered by another University department. All candidates are strongly encouraged to complete at least 6 credits in the Irish language. Remaining credits are taken as electives. Graduate students may also participate in the Abbey Theater Summer Program or study Irish at a language immersion program in Ireland for credit. To complete the degree candidates must pass an oral examination focusing on a specific period, genre or theme they have chosen in consultation with members of the Irish Studies faculty.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Candidates pursuing the M.A. degree will be expected to complete courses granting at least 30 credits (that is, 10 courses at three credits each). Three credits must be in a theory course (ordinarily thought of as a course primarily concerned with the study of texts in literary and/or cultural theory) from among the department's regular offerings; and three must be in the "Introduction to Advanced Research" course (or its equivalent). We are able to offer a wide variety of courses to MA students (ordinarily at least 12 per semester) and limit most courses to 20 students or fewer. Students may devote up to six of the required 30 credits to independent work under the supervision of department faculty, resulting in one or more longer papers. Students wishing to pursue this option should consult with the program director early in their graduate careers.
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT AND COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
Students must also pass two examinations: a language examination and a literary studies examination. The first will demonstrate reading knowledge of a foreign language. The second will gauge the student's mastery of three different skills or practices integral to advanced literary studies: the ability to analyze in detail a short poem or prose passage; the ability to place a number of passages in their proper literary-historical context based on their form, style and content; and the ability to reflect on the theoretical, methodological or interpretive issues involved in reading and criticism. The examinations are offered yearly in December and May. The language exam may be taken at any time during the course of a student's program; the literary studies exam is ordinarily taken after all courses have been completed or are in the process of completion. Students should consult with the program director and with other faculty to plan an appropriate course of studies in anticipation of the examinations. The language exam may be taken in a wide range of languages and may be waived if either 1) the candidate can supply proof of proficiency in a foreign language in the form of an undergraduate transcript carrying credits for the completion of at least six semester hours in an advanced course with grades of B or above (taken within three years of the application for waiver) or 2) the candidate successfully completes a 12-week intensive language course administered by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Boston College.
ADMISSION TO THE MA PROGRAM
Normally, students are accepted for the fall semester only. The application deadline for the regular MA program, the MA in Irish Literature and Culture, and for the the M.A.T. Program is January 2. For the regular MA program, both the general and subject Graduate Record Examinations are required. Application forms should be accompanied by a personal statement, a writing sample, transcripts and three letters of recommendation. Application materials can be obtained from the following address:
Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Admissions Office
McGuinn Hall 221
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
FINANCIAL AID
Unlike many MA programs, we can offer financial aid to qualified applicants. Twelve first-year MA students are given 15-credit scholarships (covering a full year's average tuition). All second-year students are eligible to compete for 24 Teaching Fellowships. Our Teaching Fellow program is one of the best currently available, involving course work and hands-on workshop training before the teaching begins, in addition to ongoing staff workshops and support. For information about other kinds of funding opportunities, please contact the Office of Student Services, Lyons Hall, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
For more information, please contact Caroline Bicks, Director of the M.A. Program.
