About the MA Research Thesis in English Literature
- The MA thesis: what is it?
- When is the MA thesis proposal due?
- What does the thesis proposal look like?
- Proposal Submission
- Thesis Defense
- Thesis Submission
The MA Thesis: What Is It?
The MA thesis is based on a research project in a particular area of interest within literary study. It is written under the guidance of an experienced member of the English Literature faculty.
The thesis should demonstrate both the student's knowledge of that particular area of interest within literary study, including a close acquaintance with the significant primary materials in the field, and a familiarity (both bibliographical and theoretical) with the scholarly discourse related to that field.
The student's ability to formulate a thesis and develop an argument relating to material within that area of interest may involve: [i] reading a familiar text or series of texts in an unfamiliar way (i.e., looking at the material through a different critical lens or placing it within a different historical, cultural, or literary context); or [ii] reading an unfamiliar (but significant) text or series of texts in a familiar way. The thesis may expand on one or more seminar papers by considering additional texts and/or enriching the contexts.
The average thesis in literature in our department is about the length of three seminar papers (around 60-80 typed, double-spaced pages, including bibliography). Some projects end up being longer; under university regulations, an MA thesis should not exceed 150 double-spaced typed pages (including bibliography).
When is the MA thesis proposal due?
The proposal is due in the student’s second year of studies, by the end of the first semester or during the break between semesters. Students are encouraged to meet with a faculty advisor as soon as they feel even a flicker of interest in a topic they have encountered in their studies. The earlier this is done, the better. At the latest, the student must be in discussion with a potential thesis advisor by the beginning of the second year of graduate study to discuss ideas and devise a research strategy. The graduate coordinators are available for consultation and advice regarding appropriate advisors.
What does the thesis proposal look like?
The proposal (10 pp. not including bibliography) outlines the student's research plan and demonstrates the familiarity with the relevant scholarly materials. Examples of proposals can be found in the library. For more information, read our Guidelines for Writing MA Proposals (PDF).
Proposal Submission
After the proposal has been approved by the student's advisor, it is sent to one additional reader (a faculty member) by the department. If corrections are required, the student revises the proposal accordingly.
The completed proposal, accompanying form, the evaluations of the additional reader and revisions table (if required) are sent via the department, to the MA committee for approval. The MA committee sends the student a letter of approval specifying the date by which the thesis must be submitted and defended.
Thesis Defense
After the thesis is completed to the satisfaction of the student and the advisor(s), an oral thesis defense is conducted. Two other faculty members in addition to the student and advisor(s) are asked to read the thesis and invited to form a panel for the thesis defense. After the Defense the thesis is given a grade. If required, final corrections are made.
Thesis Submission
After the thesis grade is approved by the MA committee, the student must submit a copy of the thesis to the main library together with a letter from the department that the thesis has been defended and is ready for submission. Please note that the university has very strict formatting requirements. Please consult with the departments' librarian, Smadar Wisper.
