The Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures (LLC) requires evidence of a broad and rigorous education in Spanish by passing the Masters Comprehensive Oral Examination to graduate. This exam is conducted in Spanish at the advanced level of speaking proficiency. Students must prepare a list of 25 books read in courses (graduate or undergraduate) or on your own; the list must be organized according to MLA standards. Consult your advisor and prepare your list well in advance of scheduling the exam. Exams are generally administered on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 5 PM and last 90 minutes. All exams must be scheduled by May 1st or December 1st and completed by May 12th or December 12th.
Reading List: A “book” means a novel, drama, or anthology of readings organized by author, genre, literary or historical period; for example: Campo abierto. Short stories, single poems, essays or articles do not constitute a book. The list must include works by Peninsular, Latin American, and U.S. Latino writers in Spanish. It must also be balanced by genres (narrative, poetry, drama, essay) and periods: Medieval, Renaissance, Barroque, Modern, and Contemporary for Peninsular writers; Colonial, Republican-Independence, Modern, and Contemporary for Latin American writers. U.S. Latino writers can be from any period from the colonial (Naufragios y comentarios de Cabeza de Vaca) to today’s writers like Julia Alvarez. No more than two books/plays or a book and anthology per one author. That means that you may not list three plays and a poemario by García Lorca. Consult your advisor; an unacceptable reading list will delay scheduling your exam date.
Start to study for the Comprehensive well before scheduling it. Select your authors/works, review all your class/reading notes, exams, term papers, and oral reports. You must know the essential information about the author’s biography, social and literary contexts and how that time, space and culture influenced the author’s style and themes. For example: Sor Juana lived in 17th century Mexico and became a nun in order to be free to learn, think, and write. She defended a women’s right to develop her intellectual and literary abilities in poetry, drama, and prose. Use reference material to put all your authors/works in their socio-historical and literary contexts. The Comprehensive Oral Examination not only tests your knowledge of specific content, but also your oral proficiency in Spanish. Improve your conversational ability and skill at circumlocution by speaking as much possible. Read Spanish language newspapers, listen to the news, or watch Spanish language news stories. Remember we are more interested in your ability to engage in conversation than your expertise on world affairs.
The exam begins with your 20 minute presentation: why you chose those particular authors/ works. You may structure your presentation by periods, genres or themes, but there must be a discernible order that gives unity and coherence to your selections and presentation. Eight pages double spaced take about 20 minutes to present. You may use index cards, but must present, not read. After your presentation, the professors will ask you specific questions about your analysis and interpretation to test your ability to defend and develop your interpretation; for example: What is the relationship between the author’s themes and life? Remember you will teach short literary pieces in your own classes and must be able to contextualize them for your students. You must also demonstrate knowledge of Hispanic history and culture around the world, including major current events related to the Spanish-speaking world, such as the immigration debate in the US. Other relevant issues include the role of the Cuban Revolution in Latin American literature and culture, representations of violence and questions of cultural and linguistic identity.
Student advising and services represent the on-going efforts of Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures to improve our language programs by providing students with clear standards and the criteria for achieving them. Ultimately, however, students are responsible for their own learning and self- preparation. Again, please consult your advisor when you have at least 15 books on your reading to insure balance. You need to submit a completed copy of the Master's Exam Scheduling Form and four copies of your reading list in MLA format to the graduate coordinator at least two weeks before your exam. The graduate coordinator will distribute your reading list to the members of the committee.
» Graduate Guide for Analysis of Texts *
