The terminal MA examination is administered between the third and fifth week of spring quarter by a three-member committee selected each year by the Director. It consists of two parts:

Written Exam
The two-hour written exam tests the candidate’s general knowledge of French literature and is based on the French PhD reading list, which may be obtained from the Director, Student Services Manager, or by referencing the French and Italian Graduate Student Handbook.
The exam requires that the candidate answer two questions (out of three) in a manner that demonstrates their ability to synthesize and draw parallels between periods, genres, and systems of representation based on the standard reading list. One question must be answered in French. The use of a dictionary is allowed.
If the student’s performance on the exam is deemed a ‘pass’ by two out of three of the members of the examining committee, the student is then permitted to go on to the oral examination (taken later the same week). Candidates who fail the MA written exam are given a second chance at the end of spring quarter.
Oral Exam
The 90-minute oral exam is based on the student’s answers on the written exam. It examines the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of French literary history based on the standard reading list.
After the oral exam, the examination committee meets in a closed session and discusses the student’s performance on the written and oral portions of the examination. If it is judged adequate, the MA degree is granted. In no event may the master’s written and oral exams be taken more than twice.

FRENC-MA - French (MA)

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