How to prepare for an MA degree in ELIT?

by Şermin Sezer

CANTERBURY PILGRIMS From Royal MS., 18 D.ii, in the British Museum

As a PhD student at METU, English Literature program, I will share my experiences and humble suggestions with you.  I decided to study English Literature when I was a freshman student at the department of FLE, METU. I thought it was a challenge to study literature as a graduate of an FLE Department but, together with many other FLE Graduates, I managed to follow this path.  I think, I was lucky to decide what to study early. During my undergraduate years, I carefully studied for my literature courses; I kept a file for each course and revised what I learnt in previous courses to refresh my knowledge. Thus, I believe revising your course outlines will be of great help to you. Before I took the MA interview, I read Mina Urgan’s İngiliz Edebiyatı Tarihi and another book entitled Literary Schools. I was very anxious before the interview because I knew that it was impossible for me to know about each period or movement in depth. Luckily, the professors knew this fact, too so you don’t need to worry about this.

 To leave a good impression during the interview, you don’t need to know everything but you should have a general idea about the history of English Literature and be aware of the differences between the ages. For example, knowing the differences between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance or the differences between the Age of Reason and the Romantic Period might help you. Having some information about narrative techniques and literary theories would also be nice.

Most probably, you will be questioned on your specific interests in literature. This might be about your favorite genres, periods, writers, playwrights or the poets. If you claim that you are a drama person, you should name at least a few favorite plays and playwrights. Unfortunately, only naming texts or writers will not save you; you should have deep knowledge about your favorite topics. If you say that you like Waiting for Godot, be ready for a detailed inquisition (This is what I experienced 8 years ago ) Keep in your mind that if you want to have your MA at METU, you will be interviewed by your own professors who have been teaching you for four years which means that your classroom discussions might turn out to be a part of your interview.

During the interview, you should seem willing to speak and ready to share your knowledge with the jury. Do not forget that the jury is not there to judge you but they are there to see your academic and emotive readiness to study literature. I should warn you, having a literature MA is far different from reading for fun. But despite the pain, I still enjoy studying literature.  During the interview, take a deep breath, smile and do not hesitate to show what you know.

To have a general idea about the history of English Literature I would recommend you to read:

1. Introductory chapters of Norton Anthology


2. English Literature by Anthony Burgess


3. İngiliz Edebiyatı Tarihi by Mina Urgan