The first comprehensive examination is designed to ensure that students enter their second year with a firm reading knowledge of two substantive subfields, which students choose.

Students write two essays in response to questions provided by the examining committee. The essays are due exactly one week after students receive the questions. Students choose one of two questions to write on for each subfield. Examinations are offered in the subject areas below based on comprehensive reading lists available at the beginning of each academic year. Each subject area has one faculty point person or group leader. Group leaders are responsible for assembling essay questions and agree to meet with students as requested.

Exam subject areas are:

Economic Sociology
Gender
Historical and Comparative Sociology
Organizations
Political Sociology and Social Movements
Population, Family, Demography, and Marriage
Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration
Social Psychology and Microsociology
Social Stratification

Students may work together to read and discuss the materials on the comprehensive reading lists (and they are encouraged to do so). They may consult with faculty members as they study for the exams. However, collaboration and consultation should stop once the examination questions are released, and students should work independently on their essays.

JDP_PUBPO-MPP_SOCIO-PHD - Public Policy (MPP) & Sociology (PhD) Joint Program

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