Program: Master of Arts in Children’s Literature (CHL) - Eastern Michigan University

Apr 06, 2025

2016-2017 Graduate Catalog

The M.A. in Children’s Literature is designed to provide master’s level competency in all major areas of children’s literature, including folklore, mythology, literary theory, illustrated texts and multicultural children’s literature.

The degree is an appropriate choice for candidates who anticipate teaching in the elementary, middle or junior high school levels, as well as special education teachers, reading specialists, librarians, authors and editors of children’s books. It also provides preparation for college teachers of children’s literature and for those who anticipate undertaking doctoral studies. Students can choose to take CHL courses for all 30 credits or can include electives from such programs as creative writing, literature, technical and professional writing, English education, theatre and drama for the young, women’s studies or reading.

Admission Requirements:

Applicants must submit the following:

A completed graduate school application
A personal statement (we recommend that these statements be 1 to 2 pages in length)
Official transcripts from ALL prior colleges and universities (note: If you attended EMU, you do not need to request your EMU transcript)
An academic writing sample (preferably something related to children’s literature)
Two letters of recommendation

Department Information:

English Language & Literature - College of Arts & Sciences

Mary K. Ramsey, Ph.D.
Department Head

612 Pray-Harrold
(734) 487-4220
mramsey6@emich.edu

Department Website

John Staunton, Ph.D.
Graduate Coordinator

612 Pray-Harrold
(734) 487-4220
jstaunto@emich.edu

Advisor Information:

Ramona Caponegro

603D Pray-Harrold
(734) 487-4830
rcaponeg@emich.edu

Degree Requirements: 30 hours

Students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours from the following

Required Courses: 21 hours

CHL 516 - Introduction to Graduate Studies in Children’s Literature 3 hrs
CHL 585 - Children’s Literature: Criticism and Response 3 hrs
Choose five hours from the following
CHL 517 - Children’s Literature for Teachers 3 hrs
CHL 518 - History of Children’s Literature 3 hrs
CHL 581 - Critical Approaches to Mythology 3 hrs
CHL 582 - Folktales, Legends and Ballads 3 hrs
CHL 583 - Children’s Illustrated Texts 3 hrs
CHL 584 - Literature for Adolescents 3 hrs
CHL 586 - Multicultural Children’s Literature 3 hrs
CHL 587 - Children’s Media Studies 3 hrs
CHL 588 - Topics in Children’s Literature 3 hrs

Elective Courses: 0-9 hours

Select additional children’s literature courses from the above list or appropriate courses in literature, writing, linguistics or thesis.

Cognate Courses: 0-6 hours

Select in consultation with the program coordinator.

M.A. Examination

During the semester before graduation, a candidate is required to pass a written examination in children’s literature covering a broad spectrum of periods, genres and critical theory. A new list of works is posted each September.