The purpose of the M.A. comprehensive exams is to allow candidates to demonstrate the scope of their knowledge of literature and culture as well as their ability to analyze specific texts and discuss them in a scholarly manner.
Comprehensive exams have both an oral and written component.
Candidates will be given a text to analyze. They have one hour preparation time, before presenting their analysis to a jury of two professors of their choice. Candidates will present to the same two examiners a portfolio of the courses that they have taken. A copy of the portfolio must be submitted to each examiner at least 2 weeks prior to the portfolio presentation. Portfolios will include a list of the 4 courses and their syllabi, and all written work submitted and graded.