MA Studies in Literature

Our MA Programs in Literature -- Overview

The English Department at Bar-Ilan University offers a range of possibilities for students interested in pursuing an advanced degree in English literature.

Our MA in literature gives students a chance to expand their knowledge of English and American literature and develop high-level academic writing and research skills. Starting in 2019-20, we are also offering a special option for English teachers: MA in English with a focus on literature and teaching.

The Shaindy Rudoff Graduate Program in Creative Writing offers an MA in English for writers of poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction, and we also offer a unique MA in English literature with a focus on literary translation.

Click here for instructions on how to apply to our MA programs.

 

 

MA in English Literature

Taken over two-three years (depending on the student's other time commitments), our MA program offers an opportunity to study English and American literature at a high level and in a wide range of historical and theoretical contexts. Students also have the unique opportunity to combine literary studies with courses in literary translation and/or creative writing.

Students in this track take a broad selection of courses and write a variety of papers in order to complete their degree requirements. The course requirements for this track are:

Print course requirements

Writing Requirements

M.A. students in the regular MA track must write three seminar papers (17-20 pp) in three of their courses, one in each semester starting in the second semester of studies. In their other courses they will write other assignments, to be determined by the instructor in each course.

Please note: This track is a terminal degree and does not allow the student to apply for Ph.D. studies.

MA in English Literature with a Focus on Literature and Teaching

This special option within our regular (non-thesis) track, designed for English teachers, combines high-level studies in English and American literature with a cluster of courses devoted to pedagogy and the teaching of English as a foreign language (TEFL). The course requirements are as follows:

For more information, see here.

MA in English Literature with a Research Thesis

Taken over two to three years (depending on the student's schedule), this track is intended for students with a high degree of skill in critical writing, and allows them to conduct independent research. Students in this track take a smaller number of courses than in the regular MA track and then write an MA thesis under the supervision of a faculty advisor. An MA thesis may then serve as the basis for an application to a PhD program.

All MA students in English literature are automatically accepted to the regular track. Students who wish to switch to the thesis track may apply to do so at the end of the first year by writing to the graduate coordinator, Dr. Yael Shapira (shapira.yael@biu.ac.il). The department's Graduate Committee will review the student’s progress to decide whether s/he will be allowed to proceed to a research thesis or remain in the regular program. The decision will be based on the student's level of academic writing.

Students in the thesis track are required to take the following:

Writing Requirements

Students in the thesis track must write two long papers (approx. 17-20 pages) in their seminars. The rest can be short papers. The students themselves will choose the seminars in which they want to write long papers. It is hoped, but not required, that one of these papers will be suitable for expansion into a thesis.

In addition, students write an MA proposal and a thesis. The proposal must be submitted by the end of the first semester of the second year of study.

For more information about the thesis track, click here.

To learn about the research that some of our M.A. and Ph.D. students are conducting, click here.

 

MA in Literature With a Focus on Creative Writing

If you have a B.A. in literature, or in any other field, and are interested in a program that combines practical training to develop your skills as a creative writer with graduate level courses in English and American literature, you might want to apply to the Shaindy Rudoff Graduate Program in Creative Writing. Our team of published, award-winning writers offer workshops in poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction, which students take in combination with advanced literature seminars. Applicants need must present a portfolio of their work in poetry or in prose fiction with their application. See the program's website for details.

Please note: an MA with a focus on Creative Writing is a terminal degree and does not allow the student to apply for Ph.D. studies.

requirements:  poetry/fiction
 

MA in Literature With a Focus on Literary Translation

The Bar-Ilan English Department is now offering a unique MA program in English literature with a focus on literary translation. Students accepted into this program will combine high-level study of English literature with workshops in literary translation and write a translation thesis as their final project. For information on admissions and requirements, click here or write to littransbarilan@gmail.com.

Please note: an MA with a focus on Literary Translation is a terminal degree and does not allow the student to apply for Ph.D. studies.

 

General Information for MA Students

Libraries

Short courses or series of lectures intended to help graduate students are offered periodically at the Main Library. Students can learn how to make the best use of the library resources, including online catalogues, databases, the interlibrary loan service, etc.. Announcements of these course offerings are posted in or outside the English Department Library. You are welcome to consult Smadar Wisper, our librarian.

You should be able to access the library catalogues and the online databases from your home computer. Ask our librarian, Ms. Smadar Wisper, for instructions

Foreign Language Requirement

M.A. Students studying in the department are exempt from the Foreign Language courses requirement.

Basic Jewish Studies Courses for M.A. students

Students who have their first degree from Bar-Ilan will take two additional hours of coursework in Jewish Studies. Students who come from other institutions of higher learning will take four hours of coursework in Jewish Studies.

 

 

 

More Information

  • Last modified: 11/04/2019