The field of English study has become increasingly diverse. It has responded to
the theoretical challenges of deconstruction, feminism, Marxism, psychoanalysis,
and New Historicism; it has tried to make sense of the postmodern and
postcolonial present; it has watched its anthologies swell with the expansion of
the canon. An ongoing revolution in the discipline has been occurring, and it is
not over yet.
Given this continuing revolution in the field, the Truman graduate program in
English offers students flexibility and possibility. In keeping with the mission
statement of the University, our program "grows naturally out of the philosophy,
values, content, and desired outcomes of a liberal arts education." Our graduate
faculty has expertise in many traditional areas of study as well as in recent
interests of our discipline. We will assist students in finding their niche of
disciplinary interest, be it linguistics, literary theory, pedagogy, a
particular literature, or creative writing.
While one goal of our undergraduate major is breadth of exposure, the M.A. in
English offers an opportunity for in-depth exploration in one corner of the
discipline which the student finds useful and fascinating. As expressed in the
University mission statement, our program is "committed to the advancement of
knowledge, to freedom of thought and inquiry."
Although one of our greatest strengths is our flexibility, the personal
attention each student receives is also central to our program. Each student
works closely with a faculty advisor; this strong bond between advisors and
advisees is essential for graduate students tailoring their own course of study.
Selected candidates who show exceptional promise in college teaching may compete
for generous teaching stipends. As apprentice teachers, they will hone their
professional techniques and shape philosophies of teaching and composition. Few
graduate programs offer such opportunities.
Our program offers a variety of courses in literary theory, composition theory,
rhetorical theory, creative writing, and linguistics (and additional coursework
for the graduate teaching assistants). We also offer, based on needs and
interests, advanced courses with rotating topics. In accordance with the
University mission, students approach "creative and critical thought through
effective reading and research." Our ultimate aims are leadership development in
a select community of exceptionally able students, scholars, teachers, and
creative writers; the nurturing of a lifetime commitment to writing and
literature; and, for those who desire it, serious preparation for work on the
doctoral level. A plethora of pathways paradoxically leads to these simple goals
so characteristic of our liberal arts mission and so useful outside the academy.
As with our fellow Missourian Thomas Stearns Eliot, in our end is our beginning.
The Graduate English Organization also maintains a website that is full of useful information for students.
Applicants should submit the following materials to
the Graduate Office:
1. Undergraduate transcripts from an accredited college or university
showing an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better.
2. Graduate Record Examination scores on the general section, usually
above the fiftieth percentile.
3. Three letters of recommendation.
4. A statement of academic experience, aspiration, and philosophy.
5. Other evidence of service and academic promise.
For more information, contact the Graduate English Program Director:
Dr. Alanna Preussner
Language & Literature Division
Truman State University
100 E. Normal
BH 275
Kirksville, MO 63501-4221
(660) 785-4489
You may also read about the Master of Arts in English program in the current Graduate Catalog.