1.
A written interpretation of a text chosen from
a selection representing three different genres and periods.
The interpretation should place the work in the context of its
period (2 hours).
This
written examination also serves as a language proficiency
test. The candidate must write the essay in German (or English
if the native language is German).
In
order to be admitted to the oral examination the candidate
must have passed this section of the written M.A. examination
and submitted a complete preliminary version of the M.A. thesis
to the examination committee.
2.
An oral examination (90 minutes). This exam
will consist of a thirty-minute defense of the M.A. thesis and
a one-hour general examination based on a reading list prepared
by the candidate consisting of 15 representative prose/dramatic
works and 10 poems from the Required Reading List and 5 prose/dramatic
works and 5 poems of the candidates choosing..
An
unsatisfactory performance on an individual section of the examination
requires that the student pass a second examination on that
individual section. The Department will permit one reexamination
of the written sections failed as well as one reexamination
of the oral part. For a reexamination of a section or the entire
written examination in March, students will be given one of
three dates, as determined by the examination committee:
1.
Three weeks after completion of the written exam;
2. Six weeks after completion of the written exam;
3. At the next regular examination date (August).
The
examination committee will determine the appropriate option
after consulting with the student and report the date for the
reexamination to the Graduate Committee.
After
completing the M.A. examination, the examination committee makes
a recommendation to the graduate staff regarding the candidate's
potential for doctoral work. The graduate staff's majority vote
determines admission to the Ph.D. program.
