The comprehensive examination is just one of many devices that distinguish the graduate degree from the Baccalaureate degree. It serves as an end of program assessment of the student's skills of rhetoric, knowledge of the field, and methodological ability. More specifically, the purpose of a comprehensive examination is to access the candidate's skills in primarily two ways; first, a knowledge of the principles and theories in the academic field and, second, his or her ability to synthesize their knowledge in response to a problem question in a methodologically appropriate and coherently articulated manner.

The question that will be presented to you are rhetorical in form. There is no clear answer. Nonetheless, they are formulated in such ways as to allow the candidate to exhibit their comprehensive knowledge of the academic discipline of International Relations.

The exam is neither course nor concentration specific. The course that you have taken in the program provide you with neither an advantage nor place you at a disadvantage relative to others who will be taking the exam. Nonetheless, it does assume that you are quite familiar with coursework in the core courses you have taken in the program. As a result, a review of raw material and texts from IR 5551, IR 6601, IR 6652, and IR 6620 would make sense prior to the exam. That is the best form of preparation a candidate may undertake.

The exam is an all day affair; a morning session, a lunch break, and an afternoon session. The morning session is divided into two sections. Section one deals with the theories and principles of International Relations and section two deals with international political economy and the problems of development. The afternoon session also consists of two sections: one that deals with the issue of security and one with the instruments of International Relations (e.g., diplomacy, policy, law, and organization). In each section you will be presented with two questions and you must choose one of these per section. So, when completed, you will have completed four responses to four questions. Your responses should provide as much depth as possible.

One's writing ability is very important to success on the comp. This includes not only the ability to use correct spelling and grammar and to construct coherent sentences, but also to express your answers in a logical, reasoned manner that flows effectively to an appropriate conclusion regarding the question posed. As a result, it is best to outline your answers before embarking upon your written response.

References to classic works in the literature of the field also enhances one's success. Theses should be "informally" cited, largely because it is a closed-book, closed-note exam rendering formal citations impossible. An example of informal citations might be: "In his Clash of Civilizations?, Samuel Huntington argues that international conflicts in the future will be characterized by cultural differences, in contrast to ideological differences encountered during the Cold War era.

Your exam will be graded by two professors. This will take a while (usually about 4 weeks). So be patient.

GOOD LUCK!

Samples

Comprehensive Examination in International Relations

Fall 2001

Morning Session

Students will have three hours to complete their answers. select one question from each section.

Section I

1. To what extent do the demands of economic security clash with those of political security in U.S. foreign policy?

2. Ascertain the major trend and events in the post-Cold War era by discussing the shifts from "a balance of power" to "global equilibrium of power."

Section II

1. By focusing on colonialism in one region of the world, discuss its impact in terms of claims that the West practiced political and economic exploitation.

2. In the 1970s and 1980s, international economic aid tended to be project oriented. In the 1900s, international advisors have called for a greater emphasis on program-oriented aid. What is the economic logic behind this shift and what are the political associated with this shift?

 

Afternoon Session

Students will have three hours to complete their answers. Select one question from each session.

Section III

1. Relate the notion of proxy and surrogate warfare between the 1960s and 1990s to the superpower status of the United States and the U.S.A.

2. It can be said that international politics is inherently power politics. Discuss this proposition.

 

Section IV

1. Some analysts maintain that the outcome of any war has been heavily influenced by failure of intercultural communication among protagonists. Explain, giving examples.

2. Identify different types of interest groups Compare the differences in the role and functions of the interest group between developed and developing countries.

 

THESIS

For information on the thesis, please go to the following link.

www.troy.edu/graduateschool/documents/thesisguidelines.pdf

Troy University
Department of Political Science

331 Mc Call Hall (MSCX)
Troy, AL 36082
Phone: (334) 670-5926