Policy Governing the Oral Examination for the MA degree in Spanish

ORAL EXAMINATION.  The oral examination, taken only after a student passes the written exam, is conducted by three members of the Spanish faculty chosen by the Graduate Coordinator.  The exam lasts about an hour and is based on two lists of literary works: one, an “Obligatory List,” which is the same for all students, and an “Individual List,” created by each student.

•  The Obligatory List, required of all students, contains works of acknowledged importance from Spain and Latin America.  All students are expected to have read and analyzed all the works on the Obligatory List; the list appears below. 

•  In addition to and distinct from the works on the “Obligatory List,” each student will prepare an “Individual List” consisting of 20 works that reflect his or her particular interests in Spanish and/or Latin American literature.  

The following rules govern the creation and submission of one’s Individual List: 

-- Individual Lists may not contain works from the Obligatory List, though other works by the same author may be submitted; the Quijote may not appear on an Individual List, for example, but a student with a special interest in Cervantes could include his novelas ejemplares or entremeses.

-- Works chosen for Individual Lists may be poetry, drama, fiction or essay.

-- In choosing the 20 works of an Individual list, a novel, short story, drama or essay will count as a single work, and five poems by the same poet will count as a single work. 

-- Regardless of their genre, all works on an Individual List must be judged by the Spanish faculty to be significant for their originality, historical importance or the stature of their author.

-- For their Individual Lists, students may choose works from the list below, “Suggested Works for Individual Lists,” or works studied in classes or seminars.  If works by a certain author appear on the “Suggested Works …” list, any other work by that author, though not listed, may normally be included on an Individual List. 

-- Individual Lists shall be submitted to the Graduate Coordinator at least two weeks prior to the screening interview, or fogueo, where the list shall be amended as necessary and approved by the committee members.  All works on an Individual List must be formally approved at the fogueo.

--  Once approved, an Individual List becomes part of the basis for the oral exam and the student should expect questions regarding the works he or she has chosen.   We encourage students to start planning Individual Lists early in their coursework and consult with faculty members as they do so.

This policy takes effect on January 21, 2008.  Graduate students who are enrolled in the Spanish MA Program as of this date but have not yet taken the oral exam may do so under the previous policy or the new one described above.  Students admitted to the Program after January 21, 2008 must adhere to new policy.

Please click here for the new MA Reading List.