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The M.A. Comprehensive Exam
Students who matriculated in Spring 2012 or before may elect to take the M.A. Comprehensive Exam in place of their Capstone.The M.A. comprehensives will be administered by special request to the DGS by the first day of the semester to any student who entered the program Spring 2012 or before.
Format
The exam consists of two parts, given in the morning and the afternoon of the same day. Students may choose from three formats for their exam questions: 1 American / 3 British, 3 American / 1 British, or 2 American / 2 British. Each of the exam's four sections includes three essay questions from which to choose, for a total of four essay questions (two in the morning and two in the afternoon). The list of texts that will be covered on the exam is available from the Graduate Administrator.
Registration
After special request has been received by the DGS for the exam, the student will register online through my.fordham.edu for ENGL 0936 M.A. Comp Exam using the CRN for the respective semester by the add/drop deadline and by completing the English Department M.A. Exam Registration Form.
Preparation
Normally, M.A. students should be able to prepare for their exams in three months. They should discuss the exam with faculty and the Graduate Director and expect questions that ask for comparative and synthetic thinking. There is also a handout available that covers recommended study strategies for the exam.
Grade
There are three official grades on Master's exams: High Pass (distinguished work of the highest caliber), Pass (satisfactory work), and Failure. There is also the unofficial grade of Low Pass, which indicates marginally passable work (not suitable for Ph.D. program admission). Low Pass officially lists as a Pass, and therefore allows for a student to receive the degree. All M.A. exam grades are the product of agreement between at least two faculty members. M.A. students who fail their exam may re-take it once; they should consult with the Graduate Director to plan their further preparation. |
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