SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
Immerse yourself in your intellectual passions in Penn’s Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts
My passion has always been literature,” says Rebekah Martindale (MPhil `22—expected). Although she completed a master’s degree in literature at the University of Oxford and discovered a particular interest in medieval studies there, Rebekah had already set course for a career in finance. When she reached a point when she felt she could dial back her career and explore her academic calling, she discovered the Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts at Penn. “This was a great opportunity for me to dip my toe back in the water, work at my own pace, and figure out where I wanted to go without any pressure,” she explains.
Rebekah Martindale, MPhil `22—expected
The Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts (MPhil) can be completed on a full-time or part-time schedule—ideal for Rebekah, who balanced schoolwork with a part-time job and family responsibilities. She also valued the ability to choose her own curriculum and focused on taking courses that would fill in what she felt were gaps in her medieval studies. “I had done some very intensive study on the medieval period in England while I was at Oxford, and here at Penn I’ve been able to look at the period in a more global perspective,” she says. In addition to courses in medieval women’s literature and travel narratives, she took courses in literary theory as well as focused studies in Chaucer, Dante, and Shakespeare. “I’m in the same courses I would be taking if I were in a PhD program, with the same professors, getting the same education,” says Rebekah. “Everyone I’ve worked with on the Penn faculty has been amazing and open and welcoming to me as an MPhil student. And this experience has given me a good sense for how much I can handle and what I want to do.”
Rebekah’s first year of study was entirely online due to the pandemic, although she says she still felt connected to her instructors and peers. Still, she appreciated the opportunities provided by returning to campus in her second year, such as meeting her favorite instructors in person and exploring Penn Libraries. “I’m taking a great course on illuminated manuscripts in the Philadelphia area. It’s taught by someone from Penn Libraries, and we will probably travel to different libraries in Philadelphia, so it’s a very hands-on, object-based learning class,” she says. While the course material may or may not contribute directly to her capstone project, Rebekah observes that material texts are invaluable for understanding medieval culture broadly. “There’s a book at Penn from 12th century France, and the writing is so tiny,” she recalls. “You imagine who would be writing and reading this book with its minuscule print, conserving every bit of paper, and it reminds you how scarce a resource a book could be. As great as all the digital resources are, you can’t quite capture that scale.”
Rebekah definitely plans to pursue doctoral studies in medieval literature, but she’s not in a hurry; while she looks for a PhD program that would be the best fit, she has access to Penn Libraries and plans for independent research. “I’m mostly doing it for the journey, rather than the destination,” she says. In the meantime, she advises prospective MPhil students to make the most of the program’s flexibility and opportunities for advanced study. “This is the best program for an adult trying to get back into the academic flow or just trying to learn more about what you’re interested in,” she concludes.
Penn’s Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts offers the independence of self-directed study with the expertise of world-class faculty and advising. Ideal for lifelong learners who previously completed a master’s degree in the liberal arts, the program helps connect students with courses across the University that develop their interests and fit their schedules. Contact our program director, Dr. Christopher Pastore, to schedule an appointment to review your current research and explore your options for pursuing a Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts at Penn.
Contact our program director, Dr. Christopher Pastore, to schedule an appointment to review your current research and explore your options for pursuing a Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts at Penn.
(215) 898-7326
lps@sas.upenn.edu
www.upenn.edu/mla-mphil
