Graduate Course Descriptions

Fall 2026

Please see the 2026-27 Catalog at  https://catalog.oregonstate.edu/ for locations and times.

 

ENG 514

Introduction to Graduate Studies

Ana Ribero

Section: 1

CRN: 11594

This course familiarizes student with the requirements and timelines of the MA degree; surveys the methods of academic inquiry in literary studies and rhetoric and composition; engages with a variety of criticism and methodologies in those fields; and practices the conventions of academic writing in different genres.

 

ENG 534

Studies in Literature 1700-1900

Monique McDade

Section: 1

CRN: 19529

1700-1900

This class positions the current book ban movement within its historical context to investigate the ways books have not only influenced U.S culture and politics but also how they have posed as threats to different regimes of power. We will begin in the seventeenth century, with a Puritan community, spend the majority of our time in the 19th century, but emerge every so often in the 20th and 21st centuries to track the changing rubrics for challenging or banning books.  Ultimately, this class offers us a historical glance into a very contemporary debate—how dangerous are printed materials, including books? What are their threats? Who do they threaten and why?

 

ENG 580

Studies in Literature, Culture, and Society

Nick Dybek

Section: 2

CRN: 16239

Craft, 75/25 Hybrid

Course description coming soon.

This is a craft class designed for students in the MFA program.

 

ENG 585

Studies in American Literature

Monique McDade

Section: 1

CRN: 19514

MA Experience

This class will evaluate topics and themes in 19th century American women's literature.

 

ENG 589

Studies in Literature, Culture, and Society: Writing, Literature, and Medicine

Richter, Jen

Section; 1

CRN: 19515

75/25 Hybrid

 

This is a craft class designed for students in the MFA program.  Focuses on contemporary poetry and nonfiction by writers who are also medical professionals, patients, and caregivers. Studies the authors’ different perspectives to consider the griefs and joys, concerns and comforts they have in common with their readers. Encourages a heightened sense of empathy. Explores the body’s struggles and failures, recoveries and triumphs. Develops a practice of thoughtful self-examination through in-depth class discussions and weekly writing prompts. 

 

ENG 590

The History of the English Language

Tekla Bude

Section; 1

CRN: 19530

This year alone, more than 500 new entries have already been added to the Oxford English Dictionary’s catalog of nearly 500,000 words in use in English. Among them are “doomscrolling,” “tradwife,” and “glitchiness” – proof that English is constantly changing to address the concerns and interests of the present. In this class, we will study the history of the English language from its beginnings as Proto-Indo-European over 4000 years ago, examining its changing syntax, grammar, and vocabulary in its social, political, and artistic context. How do war, trade, globalization, memes, and tourism affect language? How is it that we consider the creole of Papua New Guinea (Mi lukim dok), Old English (Ic seo thone hund), Middle English (Y se the dogge), and Modern English (I see the dog) as belonging to the same language despite their broad differences? How are imperialism, colonialism, racism, and classicism both perpetrated by and perpetuated through language and its varieties? Although we will focus on the whole history of English, this class will pay particularly close attention to Old English, Middle English, and contemporary Englishes from around the world as crucial for the modern study of English literature and culture.

No graduate level film courses will be offered in Fall 26.

 

 

 

Please see the 2026-27 Catalog at  https://catalog.oregonstate.edu/ for locations and times.

 

WR 511

The Teaching of Writing

Ehren Pflugfelder

Section: 1

CRN: 15124

WIC, 75/25 Hybrid

Introduces current and future teachers of writing to theory and pedagogy in composition studies, helps us become better aware of and strengthen our own writing processes, and to enables us to make and express connections between classroom experience and composition theory. We’ll be looking at assessment, response, assignment creation, grammar, literacy, multimedia, process, and genre as we explore composition and writing. Students will complete reading assignments, informal and formal writing assignments, reading responses, as well as participate in class discussions and activities. Coming out of this class, you’ll be better prepared to teach and evaluate your students’ writing and feel more confident in your own writing.

 

WR 515

MA Thesis Writing

Ehren Pflugfelder

Section: 1

CRN: 15475

This is a one credit class.

 

Helps you explore, evaluate, and integrate MA thesis genre conventions and strategies for drafting and revising prose. Supports productive and healthy writing habits while talking you through the biggest roadblocks and frustrations of the research and writing process. Involves evaluating successful theses and guides you through the first 25 pages of your thesis to get your thesis year off to a great start

 

WR 517

Teaching Practicum, English Composition

Section: 1

CRN: 10087

Kristy Kelly

This is a required practicum for graduate students teaching WR 121. Whereas orientation serves as an overview of the curriculum—its objectives, assignment sequence, and theoretical trajectory—this course provides GTAs with more practice in and support for the week-by-week teaching of WR121.

 

WR 524

Advanced Fiction Writing

Sindya Bhanoo

Section: 1

CRN: 10314

75/25 Hybrid

Enrollment in this course is limited to graduate students who have been accepted into OSU's MFA in Creative Writing Program for poetry; other MFA students wishing to enroll must have instructor approval in advance.

Our primary text will be student work. This term we will pay close attention to clarity and precision, essential ingredients in the creative endeavor, both of which allow truth and beauty to emerge on the page. What can we dial up or tone down in our work to present the most impactful, precisely distilled versions of our stories? In addition to workshopping student work, we will read and discuss one published short story every week.

 

WR 537

Academic Writing for International Graduate Students

Sarah McGreevy

Section: 1

CRN: TBD

Course description coming soon.

 

WR 540

Advanced Nonfiction Writing

Justin St. Germain

Section: 1

CRN 11938

75/25 Hybrid

Enrollment in this course is limited to graduate students who have been accepted into OSU's MFA in Creative Writing Program for poetry; other MFA students wishing to enroll must have instructor approval in advance.

This graduate workshop will focus on discussing student writing and providing feedback to works in progress. Each member of the class will be required to submit original pieces of creative nonfiction for discussion, and provide thoughtful feedback to their peers. The class will also read published works as departure points for discussing specific craft issues.

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WR 541

Advanced Poetry Writing

David Biespiel

Section: 1

CRN:11428

75/25 Hybrid

Enrollment in this course is limited to graduate students who have been accepted into OSU's MFA in Creative Writing Program for poetry; other MFA students wishing to enroll must have instructor approval in advance.

 

WR 573

Thesis and Dissertation Writing

Dennis Bennett

Section:1

CRN: 14509

Dennis Bennett

If you are struggling with writing your thesis or dissertation, this course provides you with a clear roadmap to success. We'll demystify the process by first identifying the expectations for a high-quality thesis/dissertation in your field. Then, we'll analyze how to meet those expectations through effective writing strategies. Leave the drama behind and craft a compelling piece of scholarly work.