G3.9 PhD Preliminary Examinations

Students taking the PhD preliminary examination are responsible for acquiring a breadth and depth of knowledge within their primary area. At least a semester in advance of taking the preliminary examination, students should consult with the faculty members of the examination committee as to their expectations. Faculty practices in fact vary significantly in this regard, and it should be understood that such divergences reflect legitimate pedagogical alternatives. Some professors prefer not to consider reading lists or to regard such lists as simply orientational.

Others prefer to have students negotiate extensive reading lists based on several criteria including the students’ intended subfield(s) of concentration for the dissertation. See the requirements and guidelines for the three doctoral programs for more information on preliminary examinations in each.