Our current program, which centers on field papers rather than comprehensive examinations, is designed to secure disciplinary breadth without postponing research. For some students, this is the first step in the rigorous course of methodological training that the department provides. For all students, it helps to provide access to social science discourse. The major and minor field courses provide both breadth of background and initial opportunities for developing research agendas. The elective courses, which can be taken in other departments, permit students to tailor their studies to individual needs and interests.
Students satisfy most of the course requirements during the first two years of study.
At the same time, they prepare to write their field papers. Either paper may be submitted earlier. Students are permitted one resubmission of any paper that is not deemed qualified for advancement toward doctoral candidacy. The MA degree is conferred with the passage of the first paper and upon completion of twelve courses. The field papers are expected to resemble studies published in peer-reviewed journals, not only in structure and format, but by making original contributions to the scholarly literature.