TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF CLASSICAL & MODERN LANGUAGES & LITERATURES

PROCEDURES FOR M.A. EXAMS IN SPANISH

The Graduate School strongly encourages each program to require of each Master’s student a final comprehensive evaluation in the semester of intended graduation, in a format most appropriate to the major field. --Texas Tech University Graduate Catalog

Purpose:
     The Masters examination is designed to test the student’s ability to
--demonstrate extensive knowledge of the assigned texts,
--apply critical skills in the analysis of those texts, and
--organize and write a coherent, substantial essay in Spanish.

Content:
     For students who choose the non-thesis option, the exam will be based on three areas of the Masters Exam Reading List to be chosen by the student. Of the three areas, one must be from Spanish literature and another from Spanish American literature. The third area may be from either Spanish or Spanish American literature or a minor.
    For the thesis option, the exam is structured like that described above, but the thesis will count as one of the areas. Students will select two additional areas and will be examined either with a written exam, or the student may opt for an oral exam to be given in combination with the thesis defense.

Scheduling:
     Exams will ordinarily be given during the last semester of the student's M.A. courses. Financial support (four semesters) is dependent on timely completion of the degree. Exams may not be postponed more than one semester beyond the fourth. Part-time students must complete the exam by the semester following the last course that counts toward the degree. Postponements will be granted only for unusual and extenuating circumstances.
     Exams will be given three times yearly:
1) 2nd Monday in October for December graduation;
2) 1st Monday after Spring Break for May graduation;
3) 1st Monday in July for August graduation.
     Exact dates will be determined at the beginning of each semester. Any exceptions will require special permission from the graduate faculty.
     The written portion of the exams will be administered over a six-hour period. An oral exam will be given a few days following the written exam (no later than two weeks) at the discretion of the student's committee.
     In the case of the thesis option, the defense must be held before the deadline set by the graduate school. The written portion would have to be completed one week before the defense if administered prior to the written exams for the non-thesis students.

Selection of the Committee:
     After successfully completing at least 18 hours of coursework, the student will choose an examination committee consisting of three faculty members whose teaching and/or research correspond to the selected areas. One faculty member will be asked to serve as chair of the committee. The exam questions will be formulated and graded by the committee members. The student who writes a thesis will select the thesis committee, choosing as chair the person who will direct the thesis.

Examination Areas (The student will inform the appropriate committee members of options chosen from the reading list when there are choices available):
1. Medieval & Golden Age Spanish Literature
2. 18th- & 19th-Century Peninsular Literature
3. 20th-Century Peninsular Literature
4. Colonial & 19th-Century Spanish American Literature
5. Spanish American Modernism & Early 20th Century
6. Later 20th-Century Spanish American Literature
7. Latino Literature
8. Any minor must be represented on the exam--a second language or literature, Applied Linguistics (Second & Foreign Language pedagogy; general Applied Linguistics), LAIS, Comparative Literature, Women's Studies, History, or other approved areas.

Administration of the Exam:
     * Electronic equipment, backpacks, purses, books, notes, etc., are not allowed in the exam room.*
     The student must inform the Graduate advisor in writing, 8-10 weeks in advance of the day set for the exam of his/her intention to take the M.A. exams, names of the three committee members and the areas in which he/she will be examined.
     The Graduate advisor will be responsible for:
1) distributing copies of the letter to the committee members;
2) setting the date of the exam;
3) collecting the questions from each member, keeping them in a sealed envelope and handing it over to the Administrative secretary who will also reserve rooms for the exam;
4) making five copies of each exam: one for each committee member, one for the student and one for the departmental file.
     The non-thesis committee chairperson will distribute copies of the exam to the committee members and poll the members to determine the result. All three areas of the written exam must be passed. If the students fails one area, s/he must re-take that exam. If the student fails two or all three areas, the chair will notify the Dean of the Graduate School. The student may retake the exam only once after a minimum of four months and not more than twelve months have passed.
     If the result is passing, the chair will notify the Dean of the Graduate School that the student has passed the required exam, sending copies to the student and the graduate advisor.
     The thesis committee chairperson will be responsible for directing the thesis, organizing and administering the exam, and reporting the results to the Graduate Dean.

Eligibility for the doctoral program:
     Successful completion of the Master’s exam does not guarantee automatic eligibility or acceptance into our doctoral program. The Master's committee will evaluate the student’s record and examination and recommend in favor of either a terminal M.A. or of eligibility to continue. This assessment will become part of the student’s file in the department. If the student wishes to apply for admission to the doctoral program, the Spanish graduate faculty will evaluate the Master’s committee’s assessment as well as the student’s annual reviews. If the evaluation is favorable, the student will be allowed to continue in the doctoral program. If the evaluation is unfavorable, a terminal Master’s degree will be granted.

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