Dec 21, 2024

2020-2021 Graduate Catalog

2020-2021 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Children’s Literature [M.A.]

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The Master of Arts in Children’s Literature (CHL) 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.

Program Admission

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 | Joseph Csicsila, Ph.D., Interim Department Head | 612 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.4220, jcsicsila@emich.edu

Matt Kirkpatrick, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator | 613J Pray-Harrold, 734.487.0399, mkirkpa1@emich.edu

Advisor Information

Annette Wannamaker, PhD, Program Coordinator, 603E Pray-Harrold, awannamak@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 courses 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 other programs. Independent study and thesis hours also count as elective courses.

Cognate Courses: 0-6 hours

Select in consultation with the program coordinator.

Capstone Requirement

In addition to required coursework, the candidate must either complete the written M.A. examination in Children’s Literature or submit a thesis in order to complete the degree. The written examination is taken during the semester before graduation and draws from a candidate’s coursework, covering a broad spectrum of periods, genres, and critical theories. The thesis is written during a candidate’s final year in the program and fulfills three hours of elective credits, as well as serving as a culminating option for the degree.