Frequently Asked Questions
- When should I start getting ready for the exam?
In one sense, you've already begun getting ready - by taking Gallatin courses, by reading about the process, etc. But certainly by start of the junior year, you should work with your adviser to have a plan in place for when you are going to take the key courses (interdisciplinary seminars, independent studies, etc.) to prepare for the exam.
When should I have my colloquium?
Students should schedule the colloquium in the second-to-last or last semester of their program. Do not delay the colloquium until the summer after your intended graduation, as it is difficult to organize a committee during the summer.
- What can my adviser do to help me prepare for the exam?
Your adviser can recommend texts for your book list, discuss some of the texts with you to help prepare, and provide assistance in designing the topic and writing the rationale for the colloquium. Your adviser must approve the book list and the rationale before they are submitted to Gallatin for faculty approval.
- What kinds of books should I put on my booklist?
The texts should be of high quality-the kinds of texts you encounter in your courses - but they do not have to be part of a recognized canon of great books. Avoid pop fiction, how-to manuals, self-help books, and textbooks unless you plan to engage critically with these forms.
- Can I change my booklist and rationale once they have been submitted
to Gallatin and approved by the faculty reviewer?
If you find it necessary to change one or two texts on your list, you may do so as long as your revised list still fulfills the minimum number of texts in each required category. Your adviser must approve your changes and you will need to notify your committee and Gallatin about the substitutions. You may also make minor changes to the rationale (again your adviser needs to approve these and you need to notify your committee and Gallatin of the changes), but we discourage students from making more substantial changes that would necessitate another review process and possibly delay graduation.
- Can I choose which faculty will be on my committee?
Yes, but your committee must have certain characteristics: it must consist of your adviser; at least one person must be a Gallatin full-time faculty member; and committee members should be appropriate for your colloquium topic.
- Can I change the date and time of my colloquium or a panel member
after I have submitted the colloquium registration form to Gallatin?
Yes, but you must notify Tracy Hollingsworth of the change at least two weeks prior to the date of the colloquium, and you must confirm a new date/time with all committee members prior to contacting Gallatin.
- What kinds of questions will the committee ask me?
The questions are usually broad and thematic, but you may be asked to clarify your point by providing specific examples.
- What happens if I fail the colloquium?
You will have one more opportunity to pass the exam, and your committee will make specific recommendations to help you prepare for the second colloquium.
- Will the title of colloquium be printed on my diploma, as well as
my transcript?
No, your colloquium title will only appear on your transcript.
