M.A. Comprehensive Exams

1. The student will respond in writing to two questions prepared by his or her advisory committee. The first question will ask the student to discuss some of the teaching techniques he or she has used, or to discuss the ways he or she would present information from the thesis or project paper in a seminar. The second question will ask the student to relate what he or she learned in writing the thesis or project paper to literary movements or critical theories or writers not covered in the thesis or project paper. If the thesis or project paper deals with pedagogical issues, the student will discuss other theories not included in the research. The student will have one and one-half hours to respond to each question.
2. The student’s advisory committee will conduct an oral examination or defense of the thesis or the project paper with the student.
3. After successful completion of the written and oral examination, the student will present a seminar based on research for the thesis or project paper. The seminar, which will be held following the written examination and the oral defense, is open to all members of the English department.
4. Variations in items 1 and 2 above must receive approval from the departmental Graduate Studies committee. Students must present the seminar described in item three.
5. The student’s advisory committee will evaluate his or her performance in items 1 and 2 above. Prior to the seminar (item 3) the majority vote of the committee will determine whether the student passes or fails the comprehensive exam. The seminar is required, but not evaluated.