Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination is usually taken at the end of the third year or very early in the fourth. Students are required to take AND pass the qualifying examination no later than the end of fall quarter of the fourth year. The exam focuses on three qualifying papers and a dissertation prospectus. The qualifying papers are two research papers and a review of scholarship related to the dissertation topic. The two research papers allow the student to make the transition from exploring the dissertation field, broadly conceived, to researching and writing the dissertation itself after the Qualifying Examination. The research papers are not expected to become part of the dissertation, in the sense that they would be incorporated word for word into the later study, although they may end up forming the basis of one or more chapters. The process of writing the papers and prospectus and the exam itself give students the opportunity to get feedback from their dissertation committee early on, and to see if the chosen committee suits their needs. It also introduces students to the kind of discussion and defense of their ideas that will be required from them once the dissertation is completed. This kind of discussion and defense is an ongoing aspect of academic presentations, whether before colleagues at a conference or before students in the classroom; it also trains one to anticipate and address the reactions of reviewers to one’s written work, both when it is submitted and after it is printed. Since the development of a field is ultimately a collective endeavor, responsible scholarship must deal with what previous scholars have written on the topic at hand and with relevant theoretical issues; the review of scholarship helps the student to survey existing scholarship in the chosen research area, to become acquainted with theoretical writings relevant to the issues involved, and to formulate his or her own approach to the material.

Dissertation

The dissertation is a lengthy (about 250 pages) study on a particular topic within a field of research (such as English Renaissance drama). The purpose of the dissertation is to make a valuable contribution to the chosen field or fields, thereby contributing to the enlightenment of people interested in that field and by extension contributing to the enlightenment of people influenced by the people interested in that field. By writing a dissertation, the student not only learns how to conduct a scholarly research project, but also demonstrates his or her ability and potential to continue to produce valuable work necessary for a successful career as an academic.

Dissertation Defense

The defense is a celebration of the student's accomplishment. It is a public event -- meaning that anyone may attend -- where the student briefly describes the dissertation (the research, methodology, findings, and contribution) and the student's dissertation committee asks questions. These questions are designed to do a number of things. They may challenge specific assertions in the dissertation or methodologies used. They may ask the student to relate the dissertation to other ideas, topics, and fields. They may suggest how the student can develop the work in the future or turn the dissertation into a publishable book. But most of all, they are designed to give the student opportunity to "show off" his or her knowledge. Students cannot fail the dissertation defense, although they may perform fabulously or poorly thus affecting their letters of recommendation. The dissertation defense is a happy ritual of moving from student to colleague.

<< Back   ::   Next >>