Declaring Candidacy

After the first year of study, the student's progress is evaluated by the faculty to determine whether continuation to the Ph.D. is recommended and whether there are particular areas where improvement is needed. For this evaluation, students submit a research paper of approximately 20 pages by the first week of Autumn Quarter of the second year. The requirements for this paper are outlined in the Graduate Student Handbook. If approval of the qualifying paper is granted, the student should file a formal application for candidacy no later than the end of the second year, as prescribed by the University.

Comprehensive Examination

Course requirements are usually completed by the third year of study. A written comprehensive examination on the major field and secondary areas is then taken. The examination is based on a list of readings, selected in consultation with the adviser, which integrates major and secondary topics in both Peninsular and Latin American Studies. At this time, students hand in a long research paper to be evaluated by the faculty. For further details, consult the Graduate Student Handbook.

Dissertation

Following the comprehensive examination, students should find a topic requiring extensive original research and request that a member of the department serve as dissertation adviser. The student must complete the Reading Committee form and request that the chair approve a committee to supervise the dissertation. The committee may advise extra preparation within or outside the department, and time should be allowed for such work. The University oral examination usually takes place one or two quarters after passing the comprehensive examination. The oral examination covers plans for the dissertation based on a prospectus approved by the committee (15 to 20 pages), and may be taken in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.

The dissertation must be submitted to the reading committee in substantially final form at least four weeks before the University deadline in the quarter during which the candidate expects to receive the Ph.D. degree. Ph.D. dissertations must be completed and approved within five years from the date of admission to candidacy. Candidates taking more than five years must apply for reinstatement of candidacy.