The Concentration also administers a two-part General Exam in the Spring of the Senior Year, just after the end of classes.
Part One of the General Exam is a three-hour written essay examination concerned with broad theoretical issues and is taken by all Seniors together. It is usually scheduled on the first Monday of reading period (usually the first Monday in May).
Part Two is a brief oral presentation on the thesis followed by questions posed by Committee Members. This is not a thesis defense, although there will be time for the student to talk about their thesis or senior project. The oral exam lasts from 45 minutes to 1 hour. Oral exams are held on the Tuesday-Thursday after the written exam.
