In this southwestern setting, students take courses in literature, literary theory, creative writing, and the teaching of writing. Special emphasis is placed upon such subjects as Native American literature, nature writing of the Southwest and Great Basin, and American Hispanic literature. T he Program in Alaska takes place at the University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau. Courses in Alaska take advantage of Juneau's unique location, and several courses will focus on the literature and landscape of the Pacific Northwest and on indigenous cultures. A grade of B- or better is required in order to receive course credit.
Students choose a field of concentration in which most or all of their course work is done.
No thesis is required. In the final summer a student must pass a comprehensive examination covering his or her field of concentration. The program is limited to highly qualified candidates. The school permits teachers who have their master's degrees or others who have at least a baccalaureate degree to enroll for a summer as nondegree students in continuing graduate education. Upon successful completion of this program, Middlebury College will issue a Certificate in Continuing Graduate Education.