American University of Beirut

Department of English

Chairperson:Currell, David
Professors:Choueiri, Lina G.; Hout, Syrine C.; Mejcher-Atassi, Sonja; Myers, Robert E.; Shaaban, Kassim A.
Associate Professors:Currell, David; Gonsalves, Joshua D.; Harb, Sirène H.; Mehmood Ali, Tariq; Zenger, Amy A.
Assistant Professors:Avant, Doyle R.; Landes, David; Maude, Kathryn R.


The Department of English offers one writing course, ENGL 300, to all graduate students in the university who did not meet the RUSE.

The Department of English offers two graduate degree programs: the MA in English Literature and the MA in English Language.

Mission Statement

The Department of English at AUB offers two graduate degree programs, which include an MA in English Literature and an MA in English Language. These graduate programs aim to ground students in literature and language studies. They provide students with opportunities to pursue advanced study in multiple linguistic, literary and cultural traditions through engagement with texts in English, in translation, between languages and across media. The programs provide a solid academic basis for those who wish to continue toward a PhD in literature or language studies, as well as for those who wish to pursue a career in writing, publishing, editing, teaching and related areas. Through an ongoing process of critical self-reflection, students will attain experience and abilities in linguistic and textual analysis, critical thought, writing and aesthetic appreciation that will contribute to their personal, academic and professional growth.

The requirements for an MA degree in English consist of 21 credit hours in courses numbered 300 or above, successful completion of a comprehensive examination, and a thesis along with any additional prerequisite courses determined by the department to make up for deficiencies in undergraduate preparation. General requirements for graduate study are found in the Admissions section of this catalogue and on the departmental website.

MA in English Literature

Students working for an MA degree in English Literature must complete ENGL 301A. Other literature courses are listed using one of the course numbers below (ENGL 302-315), with an additional letter suffix and course title reflecting the specific themes and readings of that course. Up to two courses with the same number but different letter suffixes and titles reflecting different themes and readings may be taken for credit.

In addition to ENGL 301A, students must take a minimum of one course in each of the following three categories: Literary History (courses in the range ENGL 302-305), Comparative Literature (courses in the range ENGL 306-309) and Literary and Cultural Studies (courses in the range ENGL 310-13). The remaining three courses may comprise any courses in English Literature with the additional provision that up to two may be taken in other programs or departments, subject to approval by the Department of English.

All students must complete the general requirements for graduate study detailed in the General University Academic Information section of this catalogue. Further details about the format of the comprehensive examination and the requirements of the thesis can be found on the departmental website.

Literature Course Descriptions

Literary History

Comparative Literature

Literary and Cultural Studies

Additional Course Options

MA in English Language

Students working for an MA degree in English Language must take ENGL 301B, ENGL 327, ENGL 341 or ENGL 342; and ENGL 345. Two additional elective English Language graduate courses from among those offered in the department must be taken. Students must take a further graduate course, which may be from outside the English language course offerings, subject to approval by the Department of English. Students working for the degree of MA in the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) should refer to the Department of Education catalogue section.

All students must complete the general requirements for graduate study detailed in the General University Academic Information section of this catalogue. Further details about the format of the comprehensive examination and the requirements of the thesis can be found on the departmental website.

Language Course Descriptions



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