Concentration in Literature

Masters in English (Literature)

What You Can Learn

Interrogating literary texts is the passion of professors in the Literature Program at Stanislaus State, and they dedicate themselves to sharing their expertise with students as a powerful way of navigating the cultural, social, and personal challenges that we face now and in the coming years. Master's candidates will do more than simply read across the spectrum of literature in both digital and printed media. Students will be encouraged to actively engage, to experience and absorb, to analyze, interrogate, write about the observational power, the wisdom, and the challenge of literature—from the classic to the contemporary of poetry, novels, dramatic works, and other literary formats.

Throughout your time as a graduate student in the Literature M.A. you will: 

1. Master the techniques and practices of literary analysis (including close reading, comparative analysis, and synthesis across periods, genres, and forms).
2. Become familiar with the history and current theories of literary interpretation (demonstrating the ability to critically engage with major theoretical movements and thinkers.)
3. Acquire the abilities necessary to become professionals in the fields of literature (such as effective written and oral communication, engagement in scholarly or professional communities, and preparation for further academic or career advancement).

Courses You Can Take

Students pursuing the Literature M.A. will take at least 30 units of coursework:

• Literature students must take ENGL 5000 (Critical Theory and Research) which provides a foundation for the different theoretical approaches and components of research in literary studies. (3 units)

At least 18 (out of the remaining 27) units of Seminars in American or British Literature, such as:

• British Literature: Genres (5550)
• British Literature: Periods (5560)
• British Literature: Traditions and Movements (5570)
• British Literature: Authors (5580)
• American Literature: Genres (5650)
• American Literature: Periods (5660)
• American Literature: Traditions and Movements (5670)
• British Literature: Authors (5680)

And no more than 9 units of the following toward their degree:

• 4000-level courses in Literature
• Independent Study courses (ENGL 5980)
• Internships
• And 4000-level courses outside of the English department

What You Can Do

An M.A. in Literature from Stanislaus State will command the attention of admissions programs for PhD degrees in Literary Studies or Comparative Literature; of hiring committees looking for English teachers in community colleges; and of those high school teachers looking to expand and refine their knowledge of the canons of literature.

Students in our literature graduate program often join the editorial team overseeing Penumbra, our department's journal of art and literature. For 35 years, Penumbra has provided an applied learning venue for students who wish to acquire professional level skills including editorial teamwork, soliciting and evaluating submissions, and preparing material for print. Becoming a part of the Penumbra editorial team prepares graduate students in careers as; copywriters/editors, public relations representatives, columnists, podcasters, technical writers, correspondents, or filmmakers.

The Penumbra project also offers opportunities for student-staff members and the public to publish their own art, poetry and other narrative texts in our printed edition of Penumbra or on the journal's website.

In addition to the preparation for teaching careers, further literary study, and publishing, our literature faculty take pride in supporting students in publishing their writing (for creative and academic writing), participating in academic conferences, and succeeding in research competitions and grant writing.

Finishing Your Degree

As of Fall 2025, the Literature M.A. offers two culminating experiences to choose from.