MA
This option offers the broadest exploration of a diversity of ideas, literature, and theories. Courses are offered in all three terms: fall, winter, summer.
24 credits of course work.
- Literary Research Methods Follow this link and click EN 6000 for the course description
- Program Checklist (.pdf)
18 credits of coursework for exposure to a diversity of ideas, literature, and theories
+ a Major Research Paper of 50 to 75 pages (6 credits).
The Major Research Paper affords students the opportunity to pursue their own original, critical research project under the supervision of a faculty member of the GPE.
A structured proposal is required and must be approved by both the supervisor and the Graduate Study Committee
- Literary Research Methods Follow this link and click EN 6000 for the course description
- Program Checklist (.pdf)
- MRP Proposal Submission Guidelines (.pdf)
12 credits of coursework
+ a Master’s Thesis (12 credits).
The Master’s Thesis requires the highest level of original, critical research and analysis. Under the supervision of a faculty member, the thesis should be 100-120 pages and must be defended orally in front of a committee of external examiners. Prior to undertaking the thesis, a formal proposal is required and must be approved by both the supervisor and the Graduate Study Committee.
Note: Given its length and difficulty, the MA Thesis usually necessitates one or more terms of enrolment at the student’s expense beyond the regular degree length of three terms.
- Literary Research Methods Follow this link and click EN 6000 for the course description
- Program Checklist (.pdf)
PhD
Fulfilling the PhD degree requires 18 credits of coursework to be completed. Of these 18 credits, at least 12 credits are normally taken in the PhD I year, and the remaining in the PhD II year.
All PhD candidates are required to demonstrate some acquaintance with pre-1798 writing. This may be done either by:
(a) presenting evidence of successful completion of 6 credits (2 semesters or a full course) based on pre-1798 writings at the MA level
OR
(b) successful completion of at least 3 credits based on pre-1798 writings during the PhD I or PhD II years, the assumption being that once at the PhD level, the student has accumulated the equivalent of at least 3 credits worth of pre-1798 material.
Literary Research Methods
This course is required for PhD candidates who did not take a similar or “Research Methods” course in their MA. Consult the Program Director for additional information.
Second Language
Any student of English Literature beyond the MA level must have some working competence (at least reading comprehension/translation) in at least one language other than English.
All PhD students are required to demonstrate a reading knowledge of French (or of a language other than English demonstrably relevant to their approved course of study), by passing the program's translation exam.
Dissertation Proposal Seminar
- Enrolment is limited to students who have passed their Major Field Examination and their Dissertation Lists Discussion
The material objective of this mandatory, pass/fail, term’s worth of workshops offered each winter is the production by each student of a dissertation proposal. Students’ proposal drafts are the focal texts each week for critical discussion. The workshop does not seek to circumvent or override committee supervision and requires supervisory committees to work with students as they draft their proposals in the seminar. The educational objective of the seminar is the development of a thought/writing process specific to proposing critical ideas in an academic format. Students are encouraged to write a clear and sufficiently detailed proposal outlining the topic, the context(s) in which it arises, the theory and methodology sustaining its research and elaboration, and its contribution to the field. The workshop also aims to have students internalize a form and logic of proposing intellectual ideas, their development and appropriate research methods, and the implications of those ideas for other purposes, such as grant applications, post-doctoral fellowships, and book prospectuses.
Professionalization Workshops
At strategic points in their doctoral studies, candidates will attend workshops focusing on topics of import to their intellectual and professional development. Students must complete all seven different workshops, held in two series.
ANNUAL WORKSHOPS
The first is a set of three annual workshops which students must complete in the first two years of the PhD:
- Applying for Funding
- Teaching Strategies: TA workshop
- Preparing for the Comprehensive Exams
PROFESSIONALIZATION WORKSHOPS
The second series involves four professionalizing workshops of interest to more advanced doctoral candidates, but open to all. These workshops are offered either every year or every other year. All four must be taken before graduating. They are of intrinsic interest and very useful – many students attend again and again!
- Professionalization Workshop I: Academic Conferences and Publications
- Professionalization Workshop II: Alt-academic Career Paths
- Professionalization Workshop III: The Academic Job Market
- Professionalization Workshop IV: Writing across Genres
All PhD students are required to pass two qualifying examinations, each of which has a different deadline and objective.
Major Field
The Major Field examinations can be taken in areas defined by period, nation, genre, or special subject. One’s “Major Field” should be thought of as “the literature in which one wants to specialize and about which one will have something of significance to say/write.” It holds much of the literature one will teach and continue to study over the length of a career. A “Major Field” is one’s ground.
Major Field Reading Lists
There are basic reading lists for fields available in the Programme Office. These basic lists may be modified to suit the interests of individual candidates. A substitution of 20% is permitted for all reading lists for the purposes of tailoring the lists to the interests of the student and for working around texts the student may already know well. Such substitutions are to be determined by agreement between the candidate and the candidate's Chief Examiner and are subject to approval by the Graduate Study Committee.
Period
(mainly, but not only, British):
Medieval Literature* (to 1500) medieval reading list (.pdf)
Renaissance Literature (1485 to 1660) renaissance reading list (.pdf)
Restoration & 18th Century Literature (1642 to 1798) restoration reading list (.pdf)
Romantic Literature (1789 to 1840) romantic reading list (.pdf)
Victorian Literature (1832 to 1901) victorian reading list (.pdf)
Modern Literature (1885 to 1950) modern reading list (.pdf)
Contemporary Literature (1945 to present) contemporary reading list (.pdf)
*Students are advised that an introductory graduate course or, at the least, an upper-level undergraduate course in Old English, is deemed to be an almost essential preparation for the Medieval field and examination.
Nation
Canadian Literature Canadian reading list (.pdf)
Post Colonial & Diasporic Literature post colonial reading list (.pdf)
U.S. Literature Before 1900 pre 1900 reading list (.pdf)
20th Century U.S. Literature 20th Century reading list (.pdf)
World Literature reading list (.pdf)
Subject
Theory theory reading list (.pdf)
Drama drama reading list (.pdf)
Poetry poetry reading list (.pdf)
Prose Narrative prose narrative reading list (.pdf)
Students begin reading for their Major Field in their first term and take the examination in their fourth term. They prepare for the examination by working with a supervisor in the field, meeting from time to time as agreed to discuss the works on a prepared reading list.
Examinations in the Major Field
Candidates take the Major Field examination in Term 4 (end of Fall term, Year II). The examination has two parts, written and oral. The written exam comprises one half-day sitting and is followed, normally within one week, by a two-hour oral examination. In the examination, candidates will be expected to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the designated field as well as an original, critical understanding of the field and its constitutive texts. The written examination contains questions concerning generic, historical, critical, and theoretical issues pertinent to the field. The oral examination comprises questions formulated in relation to the candidate’s written answers. Impromptu follow-up questions ensue. Generally, candidates are asked to move from their written responses to other texts on the list, so as to demonstrate truly comprehensive knowledge.
Dissertation Lists Discussions
This milestone consists of a formal conversation convened with the three members of the student's dissertation committee to review three lists of 20 texts chosen by the student in consultation with the supervisor and directly contributing to the writing of the Dissertation Proposal. The Dissertation Lists Discussion is a creative and logical inquiry. Students isolate three sub-fields informing the dissertation topic and find appropriate supervision for each field, with the understanding that this supervisor may form part of the dissertation committee. Each field is represented by a list of 20 key texts that will help generate and further develop ideas of significance for exploration in a dissertation. The three lists work together. The goal is to generate lists of texts in sub-fields which are both “need to know” for the dissertation subject and which will help generate ideas and clarify the direction and goals of the dissertation.
The Dissertation Lists Discussion takes place over 2 hours and must take place no later than term 7 so the student can participate in the Dissertation Workshop in Term 8 and submit the required Dissertation Proposal by the end of Term 9.
Reading Lists
- Three reading lists of approximately 20 texts, each representing fields of inquiry and areas of knowledge useful for developing the dissertation and proposal.
- By “text,” we mean the number of poems or articles deemed by field specialists as sufficiently representative of an author's work or period. As on some current field lists in the GPE, eight-to-ten lyric poems of some length add up to “one text,” for instance, as would three essays or articles. A novel or a play (other than very short ones) would also constitute “one text.”
- A text cannot appear twice on any of the lists, including that of the Major Field.
- Lists are drawn up in consultation with a committee of professors whose areas of demonstrable teaching and/or research qualify them to supervise in those areas.
- In consultation with the supervising professors, students must also generate a brief rationale (up to one page, single-spaced) for their choice of fields and texts, articulating the kind of knowledge they seek to gain from the fields and texts, and to what end it will be put in the dissertation. The rationale, therefore, proposes fields of inquiry, texts representative of those fields, the relation between texts within and across fields, and the relation of the fields themselves. In colloquial terms, it articulates what one feels one needs to know in order to get a footing in the dissertation topic, and thus the rationale also suggests what one hopes to produce with and from these texts. The lists and texts are not exhaustive, but they must be justified as necessary.
- Please read our Reading List formatting guidelines (pdf).
See “Course work” then “Dissertation Proposal Seminar” above.
All PhD candidates are required to produce a dissertation proposal following FGS Guidelines (max. 3500 words with provisional bibliography). The proposal must be approved by the student’s supervisor and two additional supervisory committee members. Once approved, the GPD signs off and sends it to FGS to be recorded. FGS requires that doctoral students have a full supervisory committee (signatures on form) by the end of Term 8. Submitting an approved dissertation proposal at the same time is advisable. The end of term 9 is the Program’s final deadline for proposal submission.
Consult the PhD Handbook for more information and a checklist for structuring the proposal.
Dissertations take on different flavours, depending on the thesis, the field itself, and the advice of the candidate's supervisory committee.
The page count guideline is broad: 200-400 pages. Consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies website for all guidelines and requirements concerning all aspects of the dissertation.
Your dissertation proposal is your direction, your supervisory committee is your guide, and the field/interest groups are your support structures. Don't hide from your committee or your peers.
Diploma Requirements
Diploma students must successfully complete:
- One three-credit core course in fiction or poetry, in addition to regular degree requirements. Prior to the start of classes, students interested in taking creative writing courses are asked to submit a portfolio. Only those who have received the course director’s approval are granted permission to enrol.
- One three-credit course in literary nonfiction, which also counts toward the student’s regular degree requirements (MA or PhD).
- The Capstone Creative Project is to be completed under the supervision of a member of our program with expertise in creative writing. The project includes an introductory literary-critical essay (approximately 10-15 pages) and a coherent body of work (fiction projects 40-60pp double-spaced; poetry projects, approximately 20pp single-spaced). Details of the Capstone Creative Project can be found below.
Our core courses in fiction, poetry, and literary nonfiction are open to all English graduate students, with the following notations:
- Students interested in taking Fiction Workshops must first submit a portfolio of approximately 15–25 pages of fiction writing. Enrolment is only granted with the instructor’s permission.
- Students interested in taking Poetry Workshops must first submit a portfolio of approximately 15–25 pages of poetic writing. Enrolment is only granted with the instructor’s permission.
- Students enrolling in either the Poetry or Fiction Workshop, have the option to complete it as a traditional course in literary analysis, but with the added benefit of receiving practical training in poetic and/or fiction technique. Diploma students will be evaluated on both their creative and critical work.
- Literary nonfiction courses are open to all English graduate students. There are no separate admission requirements or separate streams for these courses.
Capstone Creative Project
Students complete the Capstone Creative Project (CCP) under the supervision of a member of the Graduate Program in English with expertise in creative writing. The project includes:
- an introductory literary-critical essay (approximately 10-15 pages) explaining the student’s aesthetic choices and contextualizing the creative work in relation to contemporary writing trends
- a coherent body of creative work. For fiction projects 40-60pp (double spaced); for poetry projects, approximately 20pp (single spaced).
MA students should expect to complete the CCP in the final term of their degree, normally the Summer term. PhD students can complete the CCP at any point in their program and after they have met all the Diploma course requirements.
Normally a supervisor is secured in the term before the project is due. For the one-year MA, this means the winter term. The student will submit a formal proposal of 200-300 words (approved by their supervisor) to the Creative Writing Diploma coordinator prior to the beginning of the student’s third term.
Given the significant length of the CCP, students should begin working towards it as soon as a supervisor has been secured (no later than March 1st in any given year) Students should meet with their supervisor several times per term to share and discuss their work in progress. When the CCP is complete, it will be read and assessed by the supervisor and one other reader selected from among Creative Writing faculty members with the relevant expertise. The readers will agree on the appropriate grade.
To ensure that the CCP is graded and finalized on time, the student must submit the final draft to the supervisor no later than the first day of the final month of the final term (i.e., for students planning to finish their degree in the Summer term, that would mean August 1st).
Diploma students must successfully complete:
- A three-credit course on the history and practice of comparative and world literature: Humanities 6157 3.0: Comparative and World Literature Seminar: History and Practice (same as English 6157 3.0 and Translation 6157 3.0). This course is in addition to the requirements of an MA or PhD degree in English or Humanities, or of an MA in Translation Studies.
- A Capstone Research Paper written with the advice of a professor specialized in world literature. The paper requires that students demonstrate their ability to think intelligently across cultural differences, thus further developing their expertise in world literature. The Capstone research paper is an additional requirement of the diploma.
- One course in cultural theory (three or six credits), is to be chosen among the offerings of the Graduate Program in English, Humanities, or Translation Studies. While this course counts for both degree and diploma, students enrolled in the diploma must write their research paper on a topic that extends the discussion of cultural theory into the domain of world literature.
- Three course-related research papers with a world literature perspective and content; or an MA Major Research Paper or Thesis; or a PhD Dissertation with a world literature approach. While this work counts for both degree and diploma, the world literature focus of the diploma allows students to receive recognition for the added value of this specialized training.
It is recommended, but not required, that students complete a study period, research stay, or internship in a country pertinent to their world literature projects. The Graduate Program in English has an exchange program with Mainz University in Germany, and York has an agreement with every university in France for “coutelle” doctorates. York is also an institutional affiliate of the Harvard Institute of World Literature, which meets for a month every summer in cities across the globe. More generally, York International has a large number of exchange agreements, summer programs, and internships available to graduate students.
Regular Track Through the Program
Progress through Terms 1–9 is structured to enable timely progress toward FGS’ firm Term 9 deadline for all degree milestones to be completed (other than the dissertation). Any changes to a student’s progress through term 9 should reflect exceptional circumstances and must be approved through consultation with supervisor and the GPD. FGS Term 9 deadline is firm.
Term 1 (Fall)
- Coursework
EN 6000 0.0 (if applicable) - Choose major field
- TA hours
Term 2 (Winter)
- Coursework
- Meet with in-field professors to find a good fit for major field exam supervision
- TA hours
Term 3 (Summer)
- Coursework
- Read for major field exam
Term 4 (Fall)
- Finish any remaining coursework
- Major field exam
- Meet with professors to find a good fit for Dissertation supervisory committee
- TA hours
Term 5 (Winter)
- Choose Dissertation supervisor
- Meet with professors to find a good fit for Dissertation supervisory committee
- FGS deadline for signed dissertation supervisor form. Students must have a dissertation supervisor declared and on file with FGS by the end of Term 5
- TA hours
Term 6 (Summer)
- Prepare for Dissertation List Discussion
- Dissertation Lists Discussion (before the end of 7th term)
Term 7 (Fall)
- Prepare for Dissertation List Discussion
Dissertation Lists Discussion (before the end of the term) - TA hours
Term 8 (Winter)
- Dissertation Proposal Workshop
Students who have not completed their Dissertation List Discussion will not be allowed to enrol in the Proposal Workshop - Establish Dissertation Supervisory Committee
FGS Deadline for signed supervisory committee form. Students must have a dissertation supervisory committee declared and on file with FGS by the end of Term 8 - TA hours
Term 9 (Summer)
- Dissertation proposal deadline
- FGS Deadline for proposal to be submitted and approved by FGS is the end of term 9. Full-time doctoral students are expected to have their coursework, comprehensive examinations, and dissertation proposal complete by the end of term 9. Failure to do so will result in a registration block on the student’s account at the end of Term 9.
(This rule applies to students who enter the PHD program September 1, 2023, or later)
Term 10 (Fall)
- Write dissertation
- TA hours
Term 11 (Winter)
- Write dissertation
- Minimum: One chapter reviewed by committee
- TA hours
Term 12 (Summer)
- Write dissertation
Term 13 (Fall)
- Write dissertation
- Minimum: Two chapters reviewed by committee
- TA hours
Term 14 (Winter)
- Write dissertation
- TA hours
Term 15 (Summer)
- Final editing of dissertation
- Last term of PhD Fellowship (TAship is the only source of funding for year 6 students)
Term 16 (Fall)
- Defend dissertation
- Full TAship funding only in Year 6
- TA hours
No Fellowship funding
Term 17 (Winter)
- Defend dissertation
- Last term of eligibility for TAship
- TA hours
No Fellowship funding
Term 18 (Summer)
- Defend dissertation
- If a successful defence has not yet occurred, the student must withdraw at the end of term 18
- No Summer funding
Learn More
The Graduate Program in English at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Graduate Program Assistant to learn more.