1 GRADUATE COUNCIL MEETING 9 May 2012 102 Kern Graduate ...

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5. Comprehensive Exam
After completing all course work, doctoral candidates for the dual-title doctoral degree in the
primary discipline and African Studies must pass a comprehensive examination that includes
written and oral components. Written components are administered on a candidate’s primary
discipline and in African Studies. The African Studies representative on the student’s doctoral
committee develops questions for and participates in the evaluation of the comprehensive
examination. The African Studies component of the exam is based on the student’s thematic,
national or regional area of interest and specialization in African Studies.
6. Dissertation and Dissertation Defense
Upon completion of the doctoral dissertation, the candidate must pass a final oral examination
(the dissertation defense) to earn the Ph.D. degree. Students enrolled in the dual-title program are
required to write and orally defend a dissertation on a topic that reflects their original research
and education in both the primary discipline and African Studies.
F. Costs
Students enrolled in the Dual-Title Doctoral Degree Program in African Studies may require
additional semester(s) to complete the coursework required by African Studies, although it is not
anticipated that more than one or two additional semesters will be necessary. Costs for the dualtitle
degree should not change except in cases where the dual-title degree adds semesters to the
student’s course of study.
G. Funding Opportunities for Dual-Title Doctoral Students
Graduate funding for Ph. D. candidates in the dual-title doctoral program may be provided by the
primary program and/or the African Studies program. Students who are supported by graduate
assistantships or fellowships from the African Studies Program will teach in roles and
circumstances determined by the African Studies director.
Students will receive every available support from the African Studies graduate faculty to write
grants to support their field research and other academic endeavors. Students will also be given
every opportunity to participate in the efforts of the African Studies graduate faculty to secure
extramural funding. External funding by African Studies graduate faculty also may provide
additional graduate funding.
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