PHD SPECIALIZATION FORM
Department of Sociology
Purpose: The specialization exam is designed to help students develop a secondary area of expertise that is
distinct from the one proposed for their dissertation project. Students complete their specialization before their
candidacy exam. Normally a student’s Specialization Examination Committee and Supervisory Committee will not
overlap completely.
Format: The Specialization Examination Committee will specify the exact form of the exam in consultation with the
student. Students are required to consult actively with all committee members to finalize reading lists, timelines
and examination formats. For their part, members of the Specialization Examination Committee will communicate
examination aims and procedures to students at least six weeks prior to the scheduled examination. Exams will
usually follow one of the following formats:
1) a take-home examination, not to exceed one week in length, which should preferably consist of three or
more questions; OR
2) an "in-room" written exam not to exceed eight hours. Written examinations should preferably consist of
three or four questions and involve choice; OR
3) a research essay or review of potentially publishable quality. In addition the candidate will prepare a
course syllabus and rationale for a course in an area related to the research essay. The essay and course
outline will be the topic of an oral examination.
Note: Other forms specialization examination must have the approval of the Associate Chair (Graduate), who
may consult with the Graduate Program and Policy Committee.
Evaluation: To pass the specialization examination, students must receive an overall pass by the majority of
examiners. In the case of #1 and #2 above, this means that each question must receive a ‘pass’ from the majority
of the examiners. If one question is failed (or in the case of an examination with five or more questions, two are
failed), i.e., a majority of examiners fails it, the candidate can be tested again on the failed question(s) or its
equivalent within a short period (not more than one month). This additional work is considered to be part of the
original sitting of the examination. If the candidate passes the question(s), the Specialization Examination is
passed. If two or more questions are failed (or three or more in the case of an examination of five or more
questions), the student must rewrite the entire examination. Students who fail the specialization examination, may
rewrite in the same or different specialization area. However, only three attempts are permitted. The Associate
Chair (Graduate) will recommend to the FGSR that any student who fails three specialization examinations be
terminated from the program.
Student responsibilities: You will need to develop a detailed plan for your specialization, in consultation with your
committee members and the Associate Chair. Once you have done so, please complete Part 1 of this form,
append your final specialization plan, and submit this to the Graduate Program Office for approval. Please retain a
photocopy for your records. Upon successful completion of the specialization, Part 2 of this form should be
completed.
Student Name:
____________
Date
_
Part I: Specialization Exam Plan
Subject Area of Exam:
Expected Date of Exam:
________________
________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Format of Exam: ____ Take-home exam _____ In-room exam _____ Publishable Essay + Outline
Revised 09/10
Specialization Committee
Name
Role
Department
Chair (usually not your
supervisor)
Committee Member
Committee Member
Please also attach a brief description (1page maximum) which outlines the proposed specialization
activity + the preliminary reading list.
Signature of Student
Signature of Specialization Supervisor
Signature of Associate Chair (Graduate)
Part 2: Course Completion
Once you have successfully completed the specialization exam, please attach a brief report (1 page
maximum) and have the Chair / Supervisor of your Specialization Committee sign this form. You
should also attach a brief (1 page maximum) report on what has been accomplished. Once this is
received and approved in the Graduate Office, your student record will be updated to show that this
program requirement has been completed.
___________
Signature of Student/Date
Signature of Specialization Committee Supervisor /Date
Signature of Associate Chair (Graduate)/Date
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