The Concentration in Literature
UAB English offers a full range of courses in the study of British and American literatures. Students pursuing this concentration read and discuss literary works written in English, develop an understanding of the history and criticism relevant to these works, and produce well-informed criticism of their own. The department offers courses ranging from Old English to contemporary literatures, including coverage of both African American literature and the literatures of the African diaspora.
Students in this concentration can choose between writing a thesis (Plan I) and taking area exams (Plan II). For an overview of the differences and requirements in Plan I and Plan II, see "Plans: Thesis or Non-Thesis".
The Concentration in Literature on Plan I (Thesis)
Required courses
- EH 645 (3 hours);
- One course (3 hours) of linguistics;
- Two courses (6 hours) in British/Irish literature;
- Two courses (6 hours) in American/African American literature;
- Two courses (6 hours) of English electives or, with approval of the Director of Graduate Studies, other electives;
- EH 699 twice (6 hours).
Additional requirements
- 12 hours of course work, not including EH 699, must be at the 600 level in English.
- Students must choose a member of the English faculty to chair their Graduate Study Committee (GSC). In consultation with this chair, students must select at least two other faculty members to complete their GSC. All members of the GSC must be graduate faculty, and one must come from outside the UAB English Department. Once constituted, membership of the GSC cannot be changed without the approval of the departmental Graduate Committee.
- Before students can be admitted to candidacy, they must have passed 18 hours of course work and had a thesis proposal accepted by their GSC and the departmental Graduate Committee.
- Students must pass a Thesis Defense.
The Concentration in Literature on Plan II (Non-Thesis)
Required courses
- EH 645 (3 hours);
- One course (3 hours) of linguistics;
- Four courses (12 hours) in British and/or American literature;
- Four courses (12 hours) of electives.
Additional requirements
- 15 hours of course work must be at the 600 level in English.
- Students must pass individual examinations in 5 areas, but 1 of these examinations may be replaced by earning a cumulative 3.5 or better G.P.A. in two English graduate courses in one of the listed areas OR by passing two creative writing courses at the 500 level.
- All students must take and pass at least one examination selected from each group.
- No single area examination may be attempted more than three times.
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