COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

During or before the last semester in residence, the candidate must pass a written examination based upon  a reading list for the Comprehensive Exam in English and American literature.  This list can be obtained from the English Graduate Coordinator or from the Languages and Literature web page.  This examination is a test of the candidate's ability to integrate knowledge based upon key texts within the history of English and American literature.  If the performance is unsatisfactory, the candidate may be reexamined after a minimum of three months and before a maximum of twelve months, unless an extension is approved by the Graduate Dean.  The result of the second examination will be final.

The Comprehensive Exam is generally given late in the Fall and Spring semesters.  The exam lasts four hours.  Students are encouraged to organize study groups and invite professors to speak on their areas of specialization.  A Sample Comprehensive exam is available from the Languages and Literature web page or from the Graduate Coordinator.