Eligibility Criteria
Students cannot apply directly into this option. All Literature
students must enter the program under option A. A student will only
be permitted to transfer to option B (the thesis) if it is
determined, in consultation with their faculty supervisor and the
Graduate Committee, that their proposed research essay requires a
written treatment that exceeds the normal length of the research
essay option (40 pages). Literature thesis projects are a minimum
of 80 pages, require two examiners and an oral defence. This option
involves course work and intensive research on an original topic,
approved by the Graduate Committee. In this option, a fully
qualified candidate is required to take a minimum of 21 credits at
the 600-level including a minimum of six credits from any courses
designated by the Graduate Committee as fulfilling the ?Period?
requirement, and a minimum of three credits from any courses
designated as fulfilling the ?Theory? requirement. A candidate
wishing to elect the thesis option must not only satisfy the
Graduate Committee of the viability of the topic, but must also
secure a member of the department willing to supervise the thesis.
The English Department cannot guarantee the availability of a
supervisor on every possible topic