For those who are interested in completing a Master of Arts in Liberal Arts degree there are two options available to them. The first option is a non-thesis track in which one enrolls in eleven courses and completes a practical capstone as the final course. The second option is a degree with a thesis.

Beginning with five required courses, the student learns to think critically regardless of the subject matter. The first required seminar is Introduction to Critical Thinking. Through this course students will develop a methodology that will then be applied in four subsequent Core Courses. Each student, regardless of concentration will be required to take one course in each of the following areas: Science, Social Science, Creative Arts and the Humanities. These courses, while focused on different themes, are interdisciplinary, developing and critically appraising traditional and contemporary thought. Each course requires an understanding of the scope and limitations of liberal arts disciplines.

In addition to the five core courses, MALA students will develop a study plan which includes an additional six electives. Through a careful choice of electives the student, in essence, selects a concentration for their degree.

• Literary Studies and
• Social Science

Students may choose their electives from a variety of areas: MALA courses that are offered each term, from one of the other master of arts or doctoral programs that exist at Clark, from one of the upper-level undergraduate courses (with permission-details available in the COPACE office) or from directed readings or directed research.

In order to complete the non-thesis option, one will need to complete a capstone project. The capstone will be offered regularly and is designed to be a project that demonstrates mastery achieved through the course work. Capstone projects might include a curriculum design, a course design, or a training project. The Capstone would include both the material developed as well as the rationale used for choosing particular materials and approaches.

Beginning with five required courses, the student learns to think critically regardless of the subject matter. The first required seminar is Introduction to Critical Thinking. Through this course students will develop a methodology that will then be applied in four subsequent Core Courses. Each student, regardless of concentration will be required to take one course in each of the following areas: Science, Social Science, Creative Arts and the Humanities. These courses, while focused on different themes, are interdisciplinary, developing and critically appraising traditional and contemporary thought. Each course requires an understanding of the scope and limitations of liberal arts disciplines.

Students must choose five electives from one of the two areas of concentration. With so few electives frequently the courses chosen by the student are directly related to their final thesis/project.

The final course requirement for those choosing the thesis option involves thesis research.

Students enroll in the thesis colloquium once they formally become MALA graduate candidates-following the completion of seven courses and during their thesis development and writing. Designed to provide students with guidance, expertise and resolution toward the master's thesis, the workshop varies according to research/writing fields of students enrolled. Students may meet either as a group or individually with the colloquium professor. The final course, Thesis, is taken during the semester in which the thesis will be completed and defended.

Information regarding thesis format and procedures are in the Graduate Programs Handbook available in the COPACE office.

For those who already have a masters' degree or who are not interested in completing a masters degree can choose to take the Advanced Learning Track. The Advanced Learning Track allows students to take as many graduate courses they want without applying to a degree program. In this way, teachers can take courses toward recertification without applying to the MALA degree program. Those choosing this track must indicate to graduate programs staff their intention to do so before they take their third MALA course.

In response to the national recognition that liberal arts content is enhanced through the increased application of interdisciplinary and critical thinking in the classroom, this degree is designed for educators who would like to develop their knowledge in a particular area and to improve their skills in teaching others to think from an interdisciplinary, critical perspective. A majority of students in the MALA program are teachers. To serve this population better and to attract a larger number of students, COPACE is offering two concentrations within the MAL A program. They are:

• Literary Studies concentration, geared to English, language arts, and visual and performing arts teachers; and
• Social Science concentration, geared to K-12 history, social studies and geography teachers.

For those who want to follow the traditional "self-designed" curriculum, it is not necessary to declare a concentration. One may select electives from all concentrations and from other graduate programs at Clark, if they would like to pursue a general Liberal Arts curriculum.

The Literary Studies concentration is designed for those students who wish to orient their graduate work toward literature and the arts associated with literary study, such as theatre, film, and creative writing. Beyond the five core seminars, students can select from a variety of courses whose principal focus is on English-language literatures. Surveys, major authors, and special topics courses are all represented to ensure and enhance that the student's overall academic program will reflect a wide-ranging engagement with literary materials. This new concentration satisfies the new core content requirements for teachers of English, and other professional endeavors, as well as expanding the knowledge base of those interested in a degree focused primarily upon the study of literary discourses.

Courses would cover traditional literary forms such as novels, essays and poems as well more modern "texts" such as films and music. Students would develop an aesthetic appreciation for the multitude of literary forms and will be able to critically analyze them. In accordance with the state educational frameworks, emphasis will be placed on American literary forms.

The Social Science concentration is designed for those who will teach history, social studies, world civilization or geography in a K-12 setting. Those who are not teachers but have an keen interest in understanding world affairs, international issues and globalization will also find this concentration appropriate.

Courses will provide students with various perspectives on historical discourse, social theories and social analysis. Courses will allow students to explore both world and U.S. historical themes and issues. Elementary social science teachers will find the broad, interdisciplinary approach to social science especially helpful. Faculty who teach courses in this concentration have a background in anthropology, sociology, geography, political science or history.

Each semester a limited number of courses are offered for COPACE Graduate Credit at the Worcester Art Museum. These courses usually meet the Creative Arts core seminar requirements. Course schedules do not typically coincide with the regular COPACE semester, and many courses are short-term intensives. Students interested in these courses should contact the Worcester Art Museum directly for their current catalogue, course and registration information (508-799-4406).