George Mason University

The MA concentration in cultural studies housed in the English Department serves principally as the discipline-based feeder track for the interdisciplinary doctoral program in Cultural Studies. Hence it offers students the opportunity to blend coursework typical of advanced literary study with courses in cultural and critical theory, film and media, and cultural studies. Because the degree trains students to analyze texts in a range of related fields, however, it also offers excellent preparation for doctoral programs in film, folklore, popular culture, and new media. It is also an innovative choice for anyone contemplating a career in community college or secondary school teaching who wishes to introduce popular culture into the classroom along with more traditional literary materials.

Concentration Requirements (Catalog Year 2009-2010)

See the university catalog for policies governing all master's degrees.

Students receiving this concentration must complete 30 graduate credits distributed as follows.

• Two required course (6 credits): ENGL 701 (usually in the first semester of study) and 676
• Two courses (6 credits) chosen from ENGL 551, 555, 665, 670, 675, 685, 705, 740 (each of the latter three may be repeated once with permission of the director of graduate studies)
• One course (3 credits): CULT 802 (may not be taken before ENGL 676; completion of at least 24 credits of the degree required)
• Five courses (15 credits) of literature
• Thesis option: 6 credits of ENGL 799 (substitutes for 6 credits of literature)
• Foreign language proficiency as described in degree requirements

Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.

Requirements are also listed on the MA in Literature, Cultural Studies feeder track advising sheet.