And, apparently, you have forgotten. O ral D efense Click on the globe for explanation. A critical part of graduate study is the preparation for the oral defense of ideas, knowledge and beliefs.
Most graduate programs require oral defense of theses and dissertations.
In Environmental Sciences we also require that the student defend a proposal for his research. We also hold a spring rite of passage called EnviroDays. Here oral presentations of research findings are given in a conference format. In short we think it is important to learn how to present and defend you scholarship. EVAT 550 requires an oral defense of comprehension of lecture materials.