Course Description
THEO 6953 Comprehensive Exam
The comprehensive examination tests the breadth of a student's knowledge within the scope of the MA in Theology and Culture program. The examination includes a written portion and, at the discretion of the examination committee, it may also include an oral component. Taken at or near the completion of the program, students prepare by reading a representative selection of material (normally between 3,000 and 4,000 pages) chosen by the course's professor. The professor in conjunction with the examination committee will look to address the student's specific academic interests as well as core knowledge representative of the program. The comprehensive examination option allows students who wish to take a broader selection of courses than those pursuing the thesis option. This approach differs from the thesis option in that it emphasizes breadth to a greater extent than it does depth. (The course is graded on a "Pass/No Credit" option. A grade of "Pass" is required to graduate from the MA in Theology and Culture program.) Students will be assessed a reader's fee for two additional exam readers.