MA Comprehensive Exam Students in the MA program are required to
take the comprehensive exam. During this exam, 33 slides are
shown and students must identify each slide as fully as possible
and indicate their knowledge of the historical significance. The
exam includes works in various media—painting, sculpture,
architecture, prints, and photography—and Non-Western art as
well as Western art. This exam is given in the Fall and Spring
semesters and a passing grade of at least 70% is necessary.
Typically, students take this exam in the first or second
semester of enrollment. Guide to the Comprehensive Exam The
Comprehensive Examination in Art History is given near the
beginning of every semester. Its purpose is to determine whether
the student has sufficiently wide knowledge of art history to
comprehend, contribute to and benefit from advanced courses. We
therefore urge that it be taken as soon after matriculation as
possible. The exam must be passed by the time of the mid-program
evaluation. The examination is