What is expected at a comprehensive exam defense?
A comprehensive exam defense is an oral defense of your exams. The exam generally runs between 1.5 to 2 hours. Chairs of committees design the defense, and thus each defense may vary somewhat. A common defense style is as follows: Everyone gathers. The student is asked to step outside. The committee discusses format and major issues in the essays while the candidate is not in the room (this often takes only a short period of time). The student then reenters and presents for about 10 minutes. Some students discuss the process of writing; some offer a self-evaluation of the argument or a self-assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of individual essays; some address what questions remain. Each student should discuss the opening presentation in advance with his or her advisor. After this, each of the three essays is addressed. The committee poses questions to the student, who answers. Sometimes, all talk together about the issues raised. At the end of the defense, the student will leav
