M.A. in English Literature

Combined program to get a teaching certificate during MA studies – click here for more info!

Chair of the MA Committee & MA Advisor: Dr. Zoe Beenstock

The English Language & Literature Department of the University of Haifa features innovative programming and dedicated teaching. Our advanced-level courses offer further in-depth knowledge and study of literature and cultures in English. Research seminars and electives are taught by outstanding academic faculty, noted for its concern for each individual student’s program and progress, and for its commitment to rigorous academic research and writing.

The purpose of the curriculum is to deepen and enrich students’ knowledge of English cultures and literature and to equip them with the tools and skills for academic research and writing on these subjects.

Duration of Studies:

  • The standard duration of the Thesis Track, including the submission of a research thesis, is up to three years.
  • The standard duration of the Exam Track, including the Final Examination, is up to two years (in accordance with the University’s regulations for graduate studies).

Curriculum

The program offers elective courses and seminars designed to enrich the study of literature and culture in English from the Early Modern period to contemporary literature, literary theories and research and critique methods.
There is a possibility of an interdisciplinary personal study program, which must be approved by the head of the department and the dean for advanced studies.

The studies at the department are offered in two tracks:

Thesis Track Program:
The scope of study on this track is 36 credits. The student must take seven courses within the department (4 credits each), a thesis writing course (4 credits), as well as a methodological workshop (4 credits) in accordance with the following:

  • 2 Level-5 seminars that require the submission of a seminar paper, as well as other assignments, as determined by the lecturer.
  • 5 Level-4 elective courses that require the submission of papers and/or exams, as determined by the lecturer.
  • A methodological workshop to improve academic research and writing skills (workshop must be taken in the first year of studies). 
  • Two semesters’ study of a modern or classical European foreign language (or another relevant language, as approved by the MA Advisor). The foreign language requirement does not count towards the number of credits in the degree.
  • Students must attend at least 4 lectures of the Department Seminar per year.
  • Students in the research track must be registered for a “thesis writing” course and submit a research thesis.

Research Thesis: A student must submit a research proposal for their thesis, which must be approved by the beginning of their third year of study. The student must also complete all course requirements by the end of their second year of study. The Department will submit the approval of the thesis proposal and the name(s) of its advisors to the Graduate Study Authority. Guidelines for writing the thesis proposal can be found on the Graduate Study Authority’s website – click here.

The weighting of grades (for the Thesis Track):
Component 1: Seminar courses – 25% 
Component 2: Other courses – 35% 
Component 3: Thesis – 40% 
Total of 100%

Note:

  • The passing grade in MA courses is 70.
  • The minimum required grade average in MA coursework is 76.
  • The passing grade for the MA thesis is 76.

Examination Track Program:
The scope of study on this track is 36 credits. The student must take eight courses within the department (4 credits each) as well as a methodological workshop (4 credits) in accordance with the following:

  • 2 Level-5 seminars that require the submission of a seminar paper, as well as other assignments, as determined by the lecturer.
  • 6 Level-4 elective courses that require the submission of papers and/or exams, as determined by the lecturer.
  • A methodological workshop to improve academic research and writing skills (workshop must be taken in the first year of studies).
  • Students must attend at least 4 lectures of the Department Seminar per year.
  • Students in the Exam Track must successfully pass a Comprehensive Final Exam.
  • After earning 16 credits with an average of 86 and at least 85 in a seminar paper, and with the consent of a designated advisor, a student may apply to transfer to the Thesis Track.

The Final Exam: Students may take the Final Exam only after completing all of their other requirements. Students will be examined on a specific topic based on a definitive bibliography, prepared in consultation with a member of the Department Faculty.
The final exam will be a written exam.
Students must be examined by November 30th, following their second year of study.
pdf iconExamination Guidelines for the Final Exam 

The weighting of grades (for the Exam Track):
Component 1: Seminar papers – 30% 
Component 2: Other courses – 45% 
Component 3: Final Examination – 25% 
Total of 100%

Notes for both tracks:

  • A passing grade in an MA course is 70. Eligible for the MA degree is a student who has achieved an average of at least 76.
  • If the student received more than one “failed” grade during his\her studies, or if his\her academic achievements are generally low, the department will recommend to the Graduate Studies Authority to discontinue the student’s studies.
  • The MA Committee reserves the right to transfer a student from track to track based on his/her academic achievements and/or the pace of his/her progress in his/her studies.
  • A student studying in the research track must receive a grade of at least 76 in the research thesis.
  • A student studying in the final examination track must pass the final examination with a grade of at least 76.
  • Students in the thesis track cannot take more than three courses with the same lecturer.