Template for the PhD Comprehensive Examination in Russian Literature


The successful completion of the PhD Comprehensive Examination allows the student to pursue dissertation work. It is written over four days and must be be completed within a single month. Students have the option of writing by hand or taking their examination on a computer provided by the department.

Plan to spend a brief portion of the time organizing your response, and the remainder of the time writing.

I. Old Russian: Answer one of two questions [1 hour]

II. 1700-1830: Answer one of two questions. [1 hour]

III. Answer any four of six short-answer questions. [30 minutes each; 2 hours]

I. Poetry: Answer one of two questions [1 hour]

II. Prose: Answer one of two questions [1 hour]

III. Answer any four of six short-answer questions [30 minutes each; 2 hours]

I. Answer two of four questions [1 hour each; 2 hours total]

II. Answer any four of six short-answer questions [30 minutes each; 2 hours total]

I. Minor Examination [2 hours]; this examination may be waived by the minor advisor and covered on the oral examination

II. Second Slavic Language & Literature/Culture [2 hours]

Successful completion of the written examinations is followed by a two-hour oral examination within five business days of the fourth written exam.