Language Requirement
All students pursuing a Ph.D. degree in anthropology are required to demonstrate graduate-level reading proficiency in one foreign language that is relevant to their proposed area of research before taking the comprehensive examination. If the only such language is English, any other major foreign language can meet the requirement. Students undertaking social, cultural, or archaeological fieldwork are generally expected to master the local language of their field site; this may be the same as the scholarly language in some cases. Students in Biological Anthropology can appeal to the Graduate Committee for exceptions.
Language proficiency can be demonstrated either through a language examination or the equivalent of three years of undergraduate study of the language (more may be required, depending on the specific language).
Qualifying Examination
Each student must pass both a written and an oral Ph.D. Qualifying Examination given by members of the advisory committee. The examination covers (1) general anthropological method and theory (Social Anthropology), evolutionary theory (Biological Anthropology), general anthropological and evolutionary theory as relevant (Anthropological Archaeology); (2) a subdisciplinary research topic or methodological specialization; and (3) at least one geographical area (Social Anthropology), a species or research specialization (Biological Anthropology), or culture-historical context (Anthropological Archaeology). The purpose of the examination is to determine whether a student will be recommended to continue working toward the Ph.D.
Prospectus
Before the end of the second semester following the examinations just described, students present their dissertation proposals to the faculty in the form of a prospectus. The student’s advisory committee guides the development of the prospectus and participates in an oral defense, which is open to the entire department.
Dissertation and Final Oral Examination
Candidates shall demonstrate their abilities for independent study in a dissertation representing original research or creative scholarship. A prospectus for the dissertation must be completed and approved by the readers, the director of graduate studies, and the department chair/program director. Candidates must undergo a final oral examination in which they defend their dissertation as a valuable contribution to knowledge in their field and demonstrate a mastery of their field of specialization in relation to their dissertation. All portions of the dissertation and final oral examination must be completed as outlined in the GRS General Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree.
