1. University of Haifa MA program in English Literature
Program Overview
Dr. Ayelet Ben-Yishai
MA Advisor
December 2016

2. Structure of the MA Program: Thesis Track
The Thesis Track (Track A) program requires 32 semester hours of course work and a thesis paper and is normatively 3 years long.
Thesis Track students must complete 8 courses in the English Department, as follows: 
1 required course: “Approaches to Research in English Literature” 
7MA courses, in two of which they must submit a seminar paper. 
Seminar papers can only be submitted in MA seminar courses (not in BA seminars)

3. Structure of the MA Program: Exam Track
The Exam Track (Track B) program requires 40 semester hours of course work and a comprehensive examination and is normatively 2 years long.
Exam Track students must complete 10 courses in the English Department, as follows:
1 required course: “Approaches to Research in English Literature” 
9 MA courses, in three of which they must submit a seminar paper. 
Seminar papers can only be submitted in MA seminar courses (not in BA seminars)

4. Structure of the MA Program General Requirements
In addition, all MA students must
Complete one year of study in a modern European or classical foreign language or demonstrate equivalent competence.
Attend at least 4 lectures offered in the Department Seminar in each of the first two years.

5. MA Program Timeline: Coursework
Semester A
Semester B
Year 1
Complete 8-12 credits (including Approaches)
Complete credits
Any required prerequisites (Theory)
Foreign Language Sem A
or FL exemption
Foreign Language Sem B
Year 2
Complete credits
Complete credits
Decide on Thesis/Exam track – secure advisor
Prepare for thesis/exam – see next slide

6. MA Program Timeline: Thesis/ Exam
Year 2 Sem B
Finalize topic with advisor
Finalize topic with advisor, prepare lists by June
Write thesis proposal (attend workshop)
(During summer) Study for exam
By end of October Y2
Proposal approved
Take exam in late October
Year 3
Thesis writing
By end of October Y3
Thesis submitted

7. Switching to the Thesis Track: Requirements
Completing 16 credits (4 courses) with a grade point average of 86 or above.
A grade of 85 (or more) on an MA seminar paper.
Securing the consent of an advisor.
Meeting with MA advisor.
Bring transcripts with you.
Register with Department administrator (Sharon).

8. Finding an Advisor
An advisor can be any lecturer or professor in the department.
An advisor should be someone who specializes in your chosen topic and with whom you have a good rapport.
Approach the advisor as early as possible and ask for their consent to be your advisor in this process.
For exam track: notify the MA advisor and the department coordinator in writing once the lecturer has agreed to be your advisor.
Make sure that you set clear goals and expectations and especially deadlines with your advisor.

9. The Comprehensive Exam: The Reading List
The list will be determined by the advisor, in consultation with the student.
The list will usually focus on one genre in one time period – though comparative, cross-period, single-author, or genre lists may be approved.
The student will usually have had at least one course on this subject.
Pick something that you like!
The list is comprised of 2 lists:
Primary texts – equivalent of 12 book-length works
Secondary texts – critical/theoretical books and articles – equivalent of 15 articles.
List can include texts previously studied in courses, but should also contain some new ones.

10. The Comprehensive Exam: The Exam
Total of 4-6 hours (depending on advisor’s instructions)
Spread over 2 days, usually within one week. (Mador Bchinot administers the exam and sets the dates)
The advisor can determine what material (books, notes) are allowed in the exam. Make sure you determine this before you begin studying.
Student is entitled to a Moed B only in the case of failure.
Each part of the exam is usually made up of two to three essay questions.
The questions can be either about the primary texts or about the secondary texts/ theory, but at least some (if not all) must show an ability to combine primary / secondary texts.
The advisor will write the exam so that the student will have a reasonable choice of questions to answer.

11. The Comprehensive Exam: Grading
The exam will be graded by the student’s advisor and another (anonymous) lecturer in the department (or, in some cases, outside the department), as determined by the MA committee.
Criteria for exam evaluation
Full response to the question (~25%)
Thorough knowledge of primary texts (~20%)
Knowledge of secondary texts and theoretical terminology (~20%)
Formulating an argument & supporting evidence (~25%)
English mechanics and style (~10%)

12. The MA Thesis: General outline
An extended research project, usually consisting of an analysis of more than one text.
60-100pp (equivalent of 3-4 seminar papers).
Graded by advisor and second (anonymous) reader, as determined by the MA committee.

13. The Thesis Proposal (length ~10pp) Title Research question
Preliminary hypothesis
Brief Literature review (state of the field)
Preliminary
Criticism
Theory
Primary texts - Short description & Rationale
Methodology / Justification
Chapter Breakdown
Outline or short description
Example of analysis
Works cited / Preliminary Bibliography

14. When in doubt Ask the MA advisor: Ask Sharon in the Department Office
Office hours:
Sundays 13:30-14:30 Room 1602A By
Ask Sharon in the Department Office

15. Good Luck!