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Degree Information: Master's
Comprehensive Examination |
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Students are required to enroll in ENGL 6900 for the semester they intend to take the four-hour written examination in either literature or linguistics. This examination is graded as PB (Pass 'Bueno' or Good), PN (Pass 'Notable' or Very Good), PS (Pass 'Sobresaliente' or Excellent), or NP (No Pass). Students who do not pass the exam or pass only a portion of it, receive either a NP or an I-NP (Incomplete No Pass) to be removed by retaking the exam the following semester.
Each student's Examination Committee will normally be composed of his/her adviser and at least one professor to cover each of the areas of specialization. Committees normally have three members who compose, administer, and evaluate the examination. Passing the examination requires the approval of an absolute majority (half plus one) of the committee members.
Students have two (2) opportunities to pass the comprehensive exams.
1. Literature: The written examination in English literature tests the student's ability to write knowledgeably about two areas of concentration The student in consultation with his/her adviser constructs these areas based on his/her interests and program of study.
2. Linguistics : The written examination covers two areas of linguistics which are selected by the student from any of the following sub-disciplines:
1) History of English
2) English Language Variation
3) Languages in Contact
4) Language Acquisition
5) Syntax
6) Phonology
The student should consult with his/her adviser in deciding on these areas and preparing for the examination.
Comprehensive exams are given at a specific time each semester: mid-November in the Fall semester and mid-April in the Spring semester.
A. Exam Areas |
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I. Areas for the M.A. Examination in Literature
Student chooses TWO areas of concentration for the exam. The student, with the aid of an advisor, constructs those areas based on student's interests and program of study.
II. Areas for the M.A. Examination in Linguistics
Student, with the aid of an advisor, chooses any TWO of the following areas for the exam:
(1) History of English
(2) English Language Variation
(3) Languages in Contact
(4) Semantics
(5) Language Acquisition
(6) Syntax
(7) Phonology
A student must consult with her/his adviser in choosing areas of specialization. The adviser will then inform the Graduate Coordinator concerning the student's plans.
The M.A. Reading Lists in Linguistics provide further and more specific definition of each area of specialization and should be carefully consulted before making any decision on areas.
In rare instances, a student may want to study an area not included on the above list. In such a case, the student must petition the Graduate Committee for permission to take an examination in the unlisted area. Such a petition must be in writing, and should provide adequate justification for the student's decision.
B. Reading Lists |
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The English Department maintains a full M.A. reading list in Linguistics. Copies can be found in the Richardson Seminar Room. Although these can be important for students preparing for the written examination, the materials included under the specialized readings on the lists are not sufficient in themselves for examination preparation. After checking the list, students should consult with each member of their examination committee to determine what additional materials must also be studied.
Students preparing for the M.A. exam may consult old examinations kept in the Richardson Seminar Room. Not all professors provide copies of old examinations for review, and they are under no obligation to do so. Please check with individual professors concerning the availability of sample examination questions.
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Comprehensive Examination
