Projects may arise from course work, recitals, independent study, or they may involve the investigation of entirely new areas. The number of secondary sources will vary. An examination of some secondary sources is expected. Proposals must be thorough and complete, and all materials needed for comps must be on hand at the beginning of Fall Term. The proposal will be submitted to the entire Department faculty for review and approval.
Seniors usually meet with their advisors weekly until their project is complete.
Students should be aware that faculty are occasionally on leave and should check schedules with their prospective advisor well in advance. To ensure that comps projects are appropriately distributed among faculty, it may not always be possible to assign students with their first choice of advisor. The first course in the sequence, offered during Fall Term, is for three credits. Upon successful completion of this Fall Term course, the Department will notify the Registrar's Office of the eligibility of students to proceed to the next course in the sequence, offered during Winter Term, which is for one credit. This course covers the presentation portion of the comprehensive exercise.