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Recommended Timeline for the MFA
1st Year During their first year, MFA students are expected to take three classes. The general rule of thumb is as follows: take one workshop, one forms-class, and one non-creative writing class. MFA students are strongly encouraged to scour the LSU English Department’s Purple Book and plan a course of study. Meetings with the Director of Graduate Studies and the Director of the Graduate Creative Writing Program should be scheduled early in the Fall. 2nd Year During their second year, MFA students are expected to take three classes, with some students taking four. In the fall, MFA students without prior college teaching experience will be automatically enrolled in the Practicum for Teaching Writing (ENGL-7915). This training course prepares students to teach their own section of English Composition (ENGL-1001). Second-year students are also likely to take Independent Study courses and courses outside of the English Department. In the past, students have enrolled in Film, Foreign Performance Art, Dance, Book Arts and Comparative Literature classes. By the end of their second year, most MFA students have completed the majority of their course requirements and have determined their Thesis Advisor. 3rd Year The third year for the MFA is reserved for finalizing course requirements and completing theses. In the fall, students normally enroll in one class and reserve the rest of their time for thesis hours. In the Spring, students complete and defend their theses.
MFA Teaching ResponsibilitiesIncoming MFA students are given the option to work as teaching assistants (TA) for a variety of large lecture courses, including British Literature, Introduction to Shakespeare, Introduction to Fiction, or Introduction to American Literature . Students entering with an MA, however, are assigned a section of English Composition (1001 or 2000). Being a TA, especially during the first semester, can be a tricky act to balance. Attending lectures, designing lesson plans, and grading student work in addition to being an MFA student is a full time job. On average, MFA students can expect to dedicate 10 hours per week to teaching responsibilities. Of course, this is dependent on the section and time of year. Grading papers or exams will easily double the time required. In the fall of their second year, MFA students can expect to be assigned their own section of English 1001. Teaching this course is significantly more work but can be a rewarding experience. In the Spring, most MFA students will teach another section of 1001 or 2000 (sophomore-level writing). Students entering with an MA will also teach 1001 and 2000 in their second year. Third-year MFA students will likely teach one or two creative writing course in their genre. This is not, however, a guarantee and is dependent on course availability. In the spring semester, MFA students teach 1001, 2000, or (if available) a small section of English Literature. |
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