Comprehensive Exams
Comprehensive exams are taken between the third and fourth years of the doctoral program. These exams test a student’s analytical and research skills through the completion of a series of essays followed by an oral defense.
Comprehensive Exam Prep
Timeline |
Prerequisites |
Purpose |
Preparation |
1 academic year (two semesters) |
Complete all coursework requirements; |
Ascertain whether students possess a breadth of knowledge outside the dissertation specialization and at the level expected of a new assistant professor; |
three to eight months before taking the exam the student will collect preliminary reading lists from each committee member; |
Pass all language exams, including a) the research language reading exam; |
Evaluate whether students have the breadth and depth of knowledge to participate in professional discussions in Middle Eastern studies and in their major field; |
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Establish an approved 3-person exam committee; |
Prepare students for academic job interviews. |
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Prepare an abstract outlining a preliminary idea for a dissertation project. |
Written Examination
Timeline |
|
30 days |
During the examination process students might be asked to prepare the following: analytical reviews, answer synthesis questions, response papers. |
Oral Examination
Timeline |
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2-3 weeks after submission of written exam |
An oral examination is held in which the student defends before the committee their research, analyses, and arguments presented in their written exam. |
The committee will assign a grade of pass, fail, or pass with conditions. Any conditions imposed must be met before the student advances to candidacy. |
