Department of Modern Languages and Literatures
California State University, Bakersfield
STUDY GUIDE
MASTER’S EXAMINATION
I. Nature of the Exam
A. Written Exam
The Spanish Master’s written examination is three hours in duration. It consists of essay
questions in three principal areas: Peninsular Literature; Spanish American Literature;
Linguistics. There will be one 4-5 page essay and one 2-3-page essay in each of the three
general areas. Students will be given a choice of several questions from which to select, but
are expected to demonstrate mastery of both general and specific topics.
In Literature, students should discuss the chronology and characteristics of the major
periods, movements, genres, giving specific examples (e.g., authors and works).
In the area of Linguistics, students should be prepared to discuss about what is Linguistics
and its parts, the history of the Spanish language, and demonstrate knowledge of Spanish
phonology, morphology, syntax, and the basic concepts and terminology. Knowledge about
the main linguistic theories, about concepts such as bilingualism and diglossia, and the main
linguistic families in the world and the place of Spanish in them.
Anthologies and other introductory texts such as those required in undergraduate courses
are especially helpful as review sources. It will be noticed that many of the works listed
below are required in introductory courses, either wholly or in part.
B. Oral Exam
The Spanish Master’s oral examination is a 1 – 2 hr. examination intended as a follow-up to
the written examination. It gives the student the opportunity to expand upon answers given
on the written exam, or to answer questions that the examination committee may have to
assist them in determining if the candidate has an adequate mastery of the field.
The oral examination is scheduled within one week of the written examination in order to
allow the examination committee to complete their grading of the written exam.
C. Results of Examinations
The results of the written and oral examinations are reported to the graduate program
coordinator and chair of the department within two days. A grade of CR or NC is entered
when grades are reported.
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II. Procedures
A. Notify the department of your intention to take the M.A. Exam
B. The department will prepare and submit to Records an M.A. Program Outline
(the graduate equivalent of the undergraduate Concentration Outline).
C. Sign up for the exam by submitting to the department a Petition for Course by
Individual Study (Spanish 690 – Comprehensive Examination).
D. The written exam will normally be given one week before the last class day of
the quarter, and the oral exam three or fours days after the written exam.
E. The examining committee will take approximately one week to grade the exams
and submit the results to the graduate program coordinator and to the department
chair. Grading is on a Credit / No Credit basis. In case of a grade of NC, the
exam may be repeated once by registering for the course
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