Students choosing the concentration in Critical/Cultural Theory focus on the history of ideas through the study of philosophy, religion, critical theory, and cultural expression.

The Concentration in Critical/Cultural Theory

The Concentration in Critical/Cultural Theory is designed to prepare students for further graduate study at the Ph.D. level, especially in the fields of literary studies, philosophy, semiotics, comparative literatures and Critical/Cultural Theory.

Students choosing the concentration in critical/cultural theory will focus their studies on critical, philosophical and conceptual understandings and interpretations of humanities subject matter. This concentration focuses on the methodologies humanists may use to interpret and understand the narrative texts and visual objects they study as well as the larger world and culture around them. Students gain insight into the interpretation of culture, the formulation of critical, theoretical and conceptual responses to written, visual and performative media, and the diverse human experiences that lead to the generation of that media. 

The concentration in critical/cultural theory is designed to prepare students for further graduate study at the doctoral level, especially in the fields of literary studies, philosophy, semiotics, comparative literatures, and critical/cultural theory.

Students selecting this concentration must complete three courses from the following in the critical/cultural theory concentration: 

• COM 504 Communications Theory and Methods
• ENG 580 Literary and Cultural Interpretation
• PHI 535 Aesthetics
• WS 520 Feminist Theory: Visual Culture
• WS 521 Feminist Theory: Literary Analysis

The remaining two courses in the concentration may be selected from any coursework listed as Critical/Cultural Theory (CT).

All M.A. in Humanities program candidates are required to complete the following:

HUM 510 Methods and Materials of Humanities Research

Plus one of the two thesis options available for M.A. Humanities students. 

The successful M.A. candidate will complete 10 courses while maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Graduate course credit will be awarded only for earned grades of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better.