The Rhetoric and Composition Emphasis offers a range of coursework in Rhetorical and Critical Theory, and Composition and Pedagogy. The Emphasis offers innovative classes on topics including Rhetoric and the Media, The Confession, and Nothing. Intensive work with Faculty in our small department is encouraged, and Independent Studies on special topics may be arranged.

Degree Requirements:

Ten courses are required for the M.A. in English with a Rhetoric and Composition Emphasis.
You also must pass the M.A. Comprehensive Exam.

• Courses are 500- and 600-level.
• 500 courses may also have advanced undergraduates and cap at 25.
• 600 courses are for graduate students only seminars and cap at 15.
• At least four courses for the M.A. must be 600-level classes.

You must take:

• Contemporary Critical Theory (1)
• Major Writer / Seminar in a Genre or Literary Period (1)
• Literature and Theory Electives (3)
• Rhetoric/Composition Theory and Practice (3)
• Linguistics or Reading Theory (1)
• Critical Methodology (1)*
• At least 2 of the elective courses should be literature or cross-listed as literature.

The normal time it takes to get the degree is two years.

* This course must be taken in the first semester of study.





Pictured above: M. T. Cicero's Cato Major, or His Discourse of Old-Age, Printed and sold by Benjamin Franklin, First American Edition, 1744. Department of Archives and Special Collections, William H. Hannon Library, LMU. Gift of T. Marie Chilton.