American Culture and Literature

This program represents a new departure for American Culture and Literature departments in Turkey, in that it offers graduates the chance to take one academic year of foundation courses in literary, cultural and media studies, and subsequently to specialize in an area of their choice. The foundation courses are divided into two comprehensive yet flexible sections. Students take compulsory courses designed to give them an introduction to the methodologies of literary and cultural studies, and to equip them with research skills expected at graduate level. The content and approach of the other courses, or seminars, will be determined by individual lecturers. In the second year, students will complete their theses under the supervision of an individual member of faculty. The department offers a further option for students to complete their MA's without writing a thesis, by taking extra courses. All the work in the MA program is designed to develop students' research skills, encouraging self-reliance. The emphasis is on individual work. In this way, it is hoped that the program will serve as a preparation for those wishing to pursue an academic career, as well as for those wishing to work in those fields traditionally attractive to graduates of literature departments, such as teaching, tourism, the media, and public relations.