There are two components to the core comprehensive examination that must be completed by all students to succeed to move on in the program. The first component is an oral exam in Indigenous Knowledge (IK). This exam takes place before the Traditional Council. The second component is a take-home exam. All course work other than the proposal course and the practicum must be completed prior to sitting for the comprehensive exam.
Oral Exam in Indigenous Knowledge
Preparation for the Oral Exam in Indigenous Knowledge (IK) takes place over the first year in INDG 6600Y: Indigenous Knowledge as well as INDG 6715H: Bimaadiziwin/Atonhnhetsherí:io. There are various in-person teachings and other activities that occur over the Undergraduate academic year (Sept-August) which are open to all students. The PhD Program also organizes IK oriented activities over the academic year as well (note: some of these are in the summer because the PhD Program is a year-round program). Please note that students are ultimately responsible for their participation in scheduled IK activities in courses as well as seeking out other opportunities to engage with IK on an individual basis over the first year of the program. The oral exam takes place in January of the second year in the program.
Written Exam
The final component of the core comprehensive examination is a take-home exam that occurs in January of the second year. Students in the core comprehensive preparation course (INDG 6720H) work with the instructor (s) to prepare for one examination that is centred around the Core Comprehensive Bibliography (70 sources). Students sit for this exam in the 3rd-4th week of January. If the comprehensive preparation course finishes in December students may elect to take the written exam in December over the holiday break.
Please note that the core comprehensive bibliography also requires students to work with the instructor (s) of INDG 6701: Dissertation Proposal Course and their supervisory committee, to develop a bibliography of 30 additional sources in the specific area of their dissertation research. This bibliography is examined as part of the source review in the proposal produced for the dissertation proposal course in year two.
The comprehensive exam process must be completed by August 30 of the second year unless there are extenuating circumstances that prevent it. Please note that health reasons are normally the only reason an exam is postponed.