theorywatch

One of the several reasons that I’m not enamored of the current comps process here at our school is that it takes time away from coursework to prepare for those mysterious “three questions,” and then if for some reason a person is called for an oral defense, that takes another week of high anxiety and frantic wondering about what might have gone wrong (which also takes away from focusing on my course at the exact point in the semester when we should all be immersed in it!)

So, in the interests of efficiency, here are the two things that are most likely to have gone wrong if you face an oral defense:

(1) Content. You didn’t directly address the question that was asked. Even if your essay was brilliantly done, if it didn’t answer the original question, it’s probably going to be flagged. (And this is why I advise people who are “original thinkers” not to do comps, as it’s too often a disadvantage for them if they let their creativity carry them out of well-charted territory.) A weak answer and one that goes off on a tangent are also problematic.

(2) Format. You didn’t provide a well-organized essay in reasonably good English. (And this is why I think I’m going to continue to push for people to choose the portfolio process, as the three totally different essays during the 4 1/2 hour comps time period really disadvantages people for whom English is not a first language, and we’re trying to attract a more diverse student body, hmm?) And, by the way, just providing an outline and not the required essay doesn’t work, in case you were wondering about trying that. [Post-comps update 10/31: actually, it does work, if you provide a very strong outline and no essay, but then write an excellent essay afterwards, cover all the relevant points, and recite it from memory as your opening remarks during the defense. Absolutely astonishing: I didn't think anyone could actually do that. But it's so stressful for the person involved, that I would never recommend it!] However, in general I should also say that it’s not an unreasonable expectation that a native English speaker should be able to produce such essays within the exam time period: communication skills will be critical throughout your ensuing career!

So, if you have to face an oral defense panel, remember to dress professionally, prepare your thoughts about the question in advance, make a good opening statement about how you would now address the same question (in general, don’t wait to be interrogated: this is a great opportunity to gently emphasize your knowledge of the particular topic, as you’ve had a few days to prepare for this exact discussion!), and try to relax: remember that the faculty actually wants you to pass. (Though I realize that it’s hard to believe that if you’re the one called for a defense.)

By the way, your advisor is allowed to give you advice about defense preparation, but you have to ask for it, because we really, truly don’t know who’s defending and who’s not!