Oral Exams

The senior oral examination takes place during the month of April after the student has received two written evaluations of the senior thesis. The exam lasts approximately 1½ hours and is divided into two 45-minute parts: the thesis defense and the general exam.

Each student is required to submit a 1000-word intellectual autobiography shortly before the exam. The intellectual autobiography will serve as a basis for the student’s general exam and should cover the student’s coursework in Social Studies with special emphasis on key texts and questions covered in the focus field. A successful intellectual autobiography will describe the path the student has taken, starting with the themes covered in Social Studies 10 and making reference to courses from the student’s focus field.

In the thesis defense, the student is expected to discuss, defend, and elaborate on the substantive themes developed in their thesis. In addition to careful consideration of the strengths and shortcomings of the thesis, the defense requires an understanding of and an oral response to the written comments and criticisms of the evaluators.

The general examination is a test of the student’s ability to demonstrate knowledge of the social theoretical concerns of Social Studies 10. The exam focuses on thinkers and themes from the yearlong course. As a starting point for the exam, students select three thinkers and three themes which they prepare to discuss. The exam may focus on the thinkers and themes of the student’s choice, but also may involve any other topics or texts from Social Studies 10. A successful exam is one in which the student can fluently discuss thinkers in comparison to one another and explain connections between the relevant concepts.

Students should discuss the exam, and their preparation for it, with their senior thesis supervisor and/or Social Studies academic adviser. The Director of Studies is responsible for overseeing the senior oral examinations, and questions may also be addressed to her.