Frequently Asked Questions

What sorts of people are currently enrolled in the MAIH program?

We have been privileged to welcome a very diverse group of men and women to our program. Their ages range from the early 20's to mid life and beyond. Some have recently completed an undergraduate program while others have been in the work force for many years. A number are planning on applying for PhD studies upon completion of the MAIH; a number are current or former teachers. Other professions represented in the program include: professional writing, pre-law student, administration, law enforcement, business, ministry and social work.

May I enroll on a part-time basis?

Yes. Indeed, the program is set up to accommodate both full time students and people who are working. A large number of the courses are offered once per week in the evenings. About half of our current students are studying on a part-time basis. To serve students who are not on campus full time, many courses are offered in late afternoons and evenings during the regular academic semesters and at least one core seminar is offered every July (first three weeks).

Must I finish the program within a set number of years?

No, we have not placed a strict time limit because of the varying needs and circumstances of our students. However, we do have a policy with respect to leaves of absence as follows:

Each semester a student who is not taking a course(s) must request in writing for a leave of absence to the Director. This letter should include the date when the student expects to resume taking courses. Leaves of absence up to one year may be granted. A student may be granted a leave of absence twice; however, after that time a meeting with the Director and Stream Coordinator would be required to discuss plans for continuation in the program.

This policy is not  intended to remove flexibility for students but is designed to ensure that good communication occurs and that academic advising is sought.

Is it possible to complete the program in one year of study?

In certain cases, yes, but only if the student comes very well prepared (i.e., an honours undergraduate degree), if s/he is prepared for a very heavy work load throughout the year, including the summer, and if s/he plans the course of study very carefully from the beginning with an advisor. Most students, however, would be well advised to plan to complete the degree in a minimum of four semesters (one of which may be the summer).

Is it possible to take courses in the summer?

Yes. We offer a three-week summer session. Students will be able to take one or two courses during the summer (May 2 - 20 or July 4 - 21, 2011). Check our Summer Session page for more information. In addition, a number of faculty members are prepared to offer courses in the summer on a directed studies/distance basis.

Can I take this program without coming on campus (by distant learning courses?)

Partially. We offer a three-week summer session to assist students who are unable to come on campus during the regular academic year. Required courses (ENGL 600, HIST 600 & PHIL 600) will be offered in the summer so that students at a distance from TWU will be able to complete the degree by means of summer courses and directed studies.

Does the MAIH prepare a student for PhD studies in English, History or Philosophy?

Yes. The specialized track prepares excellent students who have strong undergraduate preparation for entry into PhD programs in Canada and elsewhere. Several of our grads have been admitted into strong PhD programs at major Canadian universities.  All of these have received full funding for their PhD programs, two with Canada Graduate Scholarships for the largest grants available.

The program requires sufficient course work and research in the specific disciplines to be the equivalent of a solid MA in that discipline. Students wishing to do doctoral studies are urged to come into the MAIH program with a major or an honours degree in the discipline in which they intend to do doctoral work. Students wishing to be admitted to the specialized track who are otherwise qualified but lack sufficient focus in that discipline will likely be required to take extra graduate courses in that discipline as ‘qualifying' studies. In all cases, students are encouraged to work closely with their advisor to maximize their opportunities for PhD studies.

Is the program and degree fully approved?

Yes. The British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education gave official approval of it in April of 2005, according to the procedure prescribed by the Degree Quality Assessment Board. We are gratified that the comments received from educators in response to the Ministry's posting of the program were positive.

Is the program recognized for teacher salary upgrades?

Yes, as a fully accredited program, it is recognized for this purpose. The British Columbia Teachers Qualification Service has recognized the MAIH for the highest category on the salary scale. Educators are advised to ask their relevant authorities whether completion of the MAIH would move them up one or two categories on the scale. (In some jurisdictions, completion of the first 30 semester hours of the program would move the teacher up one category and completion of the MAIH degree [6 additional semester hours] would move them up a second category)

How much flexibility does the program offer to the individual student?

One of the great strengths of the program is our commitment to work with each student as an individual to create a program that meets his/her particular needs. This is given concrete form in things such as: individual advising and shaping of the individual's program within the broad structure of the overall program; the availability of a very wide range of courses on an individual (directed studies) basis and the commitment of the faculty members to give considerable personal attention to the academic and career interests of the students. Indeed, all 20 of the faculty members are committed to the individual student's success and are happy to spend time advising, directing individual study courses and supervising thesis research.

What are the advantages of an interdisciplinary program?

The three disciplines work very well together to increase the students' understanding of important issues. For example, an English student's understanding of literature in a particular era is significantly increased by studying the history of that period and the leading philosophical trends at the time. Or, a History student's ability to understand and critique various theoretical approaches to history is greatly strengthened by studying theories of interpretation (English) and philosophical approaches to knowledge.

What are some of the more focused areas available within the disciplines of English, History and Philosophy?

In any graduate program, the ability to offer focused areas of study depends on the strength and interests of the faculty. We are very proud of the 20 exceptional faculty members participating in the MAIH program. Summaries of their individual areas of expertise and publications are noted on the website.

History

History & religion (especially early Christianity, Europe, Canada & the United States)
Canada - government, first nations, Christianity, environmental history
US/Canada relations
Family & gender
War & Peace
Science, the environment and religion
Government - developments in Europe and Canada
Middle East

English

 Religion and literature
Gender and literature
Christianity and literature
Trauma and literature
Theory of interpretation (hermeneutics)
Children's literature
Fantasy literature
British literature
Canadian literature
American literature
The moral imagination

Individual Authors: John Milton, Henry Vaughan, Margaret Cavendish, Daniel Defoe, James Hogg, Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, George McDonald, Emily Dickinson, Charles Williams, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Thomas Merton, Madeleine L'Engle, and Margaret Atwood

Philosophy

Analytic Philosophy
Continental Philosophy
Epistemology
Philosophy of Body
Philosophy of Language
Philosophy of Religion
Social and Political Philosophy

If I don't have a major in one of the disciplines how can I prepare for entry?

Contact the director who will evaluate your academic record and courses. Depending on your academic background, you may be able to enter the program directly or take some qualifying graduate courses to adequately prepare for the MAIH.

Is my international Bachelor's degree recognized for entry into this program?

Contact the director who will evaluate your degree. The nature of the MAIH program requires a good level of understanding of the English language and of western thought and culture.