Major Research Paper, Practicum, or Practicum + Scholarly Essay
Students have the option of a Major Research Paper, a Practicum, or a Practicum + Scholarly Essay
The Major Research Paper (MRP)
With the MRP, a student researches and writes a scholarly paper of 35 to 40 pages under the supervision of a faculty member. The MRP is expected to be a sustained exploration of a clearly defined set of theoretically engaged issues. With the help of a supervisor, the student will ensure the MRP involves an original argument, solid research, a critical review of literature in the field, and a synthesis of different points of view. The final paper is assessed by the supervisor and a second reader. The MRP is evaluated according to its potential to be an article in a refereed academic journal, or an equivalent piece of work.
The Practicum + Writing Project
The practicum + writing project option allows a student to gain experience with both the practicum placement and a faculty-supervised writing project. For the practicum component, students will apply theoretical and scholarly knowledge to a practical experience at an institution such as a literary magazine, an agency, a press, or an organization invested in literature or other aspects of culture. Placements are for 115 hours and take place in May, with some projects extending into June, pending the scheduling of the host institution. To fulfill the requirements of a practicum, a student must complete a placement, attend a set of mandatory seminars related to professional development, and submit a formal report (5 pages). For the writing project component, students will produce and submit a creative writing project (approx. 15-20 pages) related to their placement experience. The project is assessed by the supervisor and second reader.
The Practicum + Scholarly Essay
This option allows students to gain experience with both the practicum placement and a faculty-supervised research essay. For the practicum component, students will apply theoretical and scholarly knowledge to a practical experience at an institution such as a literary magazine, an agency, a press, or an organization invested in literature or other aspects of culture. Placements are for 115 hours and take place in May, with some projects extending into June, pending the scheduling of the host institution. To fulfill the requirements of a practicum, a student must complete a placement, attend a set of mandatory seminars related to professional development, and submit a formal report (5 pages). The Scholarly Essay should involve an original approach and research, a critical review of scholarship in the field, and a synthesis of different points of view. The essay is assessed by the supervisor and a second reader. The standard to which the student should aspire is that of an article in a refereed academic journal and commensurate with other English MA program requirements.
Recent Practicum Placements
While placement possibilities change annually, recent practica have been held at The ArQuives: Canada’s LGBTQ2+ Archives, Nelson Education, C Magazine, Highwater Press, Dundurn Press, Broken Pencil, Transatlantic Agency, House of Anansi Press, Exclaim!, Dirty Water Comics, Dance Current, Sister Writes, The Toronto Arts Foundation, the Writer’s Union of Canada, and the Toronto International Festival of Authors, among others.