The MA in English programme aims to engage and empower students as autonomous seekers of knowledge in the existing literary genres and emerging branches of global literature at a scholarly level. It will provide the opportunity to integrate universal and local values of literature, and advance the ability to think critically and independently.

The programme also aims to help students to explore the interconnections among language, literature and culture. Students will develop a deep understanding of the linguistic features of English from a wide range of theoretical and applied perspectives. Furthermore, the programme will equip students with the intellectual perspectives; scholarly skills and requisite research and communication skills that will prepare them to critically evaluate scholarly works and conduct independent research.

On completion of the Programme student will be able to:

·         Examine the evolution of English and its linguistic features.

·         Engage in a critical evaluation of scholarly works of fiction and non-fiction.

·         Apply critical theories for analysis and interpretations of works of fiction and non-fiction.

·         Examine literary pieces in relation to their social, cultural, and political contexts.

·         Engage in critical and creative discussions of issues central to literary studies across periods.

·         Evaluate and analyse new and emerging trends in the study of English.

·         Communicate complex ideas and information with precision and imagination.

·         Develop advanced skills in theoretical argument, presentation and independent inquiry.

·         Explore lesser known literatures and cultures within Bhutan and the South Asian region through reading and research.

·         Develop the ability to form independent judgements and make comparative evaluations of texts

·         Write literary pieces to a publishable standard, with appropriate levels of technical skill, an awareness of audience/readership, effective and imaginative deployment of register, style and genre.

·         Produce a well-researched scholarly paper in an area of their interest stemming from the study of this programme.

Practise academic honesty, incorporating prescribed reference skills, to acknowledge the source of information and scholarly conventions of presentation.

The MA in English is an 18-month fulltime programme. All the semesters have 60 credits each and the total number of credits to be completed to be eligible for the award is 180 credits. The programme comprises of intensive study in language and literature modules and a substantive dissertation work based on supervised research. REP503 Proposal Writing and Presentation is offered in second semester to orient students on the fundamentals of research and develop the proposal.

The modules of the first semester of Year 1 serve as a foundation for more advanced studies in the later semesters, that the modules of the second semester of Year 1 build on knowledge and understanding acquired from the modules in the first semester.

The first semester of Year 2 provides opportunities for students to engage in more in-depth study of language and literature, as well as opportunities to explore or adopt alternatives ways of looking at literary studies.

The final semester, students will be engaged in the writing and production of a research based dissertation, as well as explore the world of English theatre by reading about, writing and performing a play.