Subsequent Years of Graduate Study
In the second and third years, additional seminars in theory and advanced methodology courses (e.g., survey methods, qualitative methods, advanced statistics) are taken along with courses in areas of substantive specialization. The goal is to develop areas of depth and breadth within sociology leading to:
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Organizing a coherent set of specializations within sociology, building on the strengths of course work and research
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Establishing the dissertation area, including readings and research reviews, and selecting a tentative Ph.D. dissertation committee
Drafting a research article based on the M.A. thesis.
During the second year, plans are made for carrying out a Research Practicum in collaboration with a faculty member in the department. This most often occurs in the summer after the second year of graduate study and involves research beyond the M.A. level. For those without teaching experience, the third year is the time to fulfill the requirement to assist in teaching two undergraduate courses in the department (the Teaching Practicum requirement).
Students who enter the Department with an acceptable Masters thesis from another institution are evaluated along with all other entering graduate students and notified in writing whether continuation for the Ph.D. degree is possible. The basis for the evaluation is an assessment of the Master thesis by two faculty members in the Sociology Department (usually within one month of the first semester after entering the graduate program at Brown), and an evaluation of course and seminar work at Brown. Students entering with an acceptable M.A. thesis in Sociology take the diagnostic examination in theory and methods at the end of the second semester.
The preliminary examination for the doctorate normally occurs at the end of the sixth or the beginning of the eighth semester and will focus on three recognized areas of specialization. The set of three areas must be approved in writing by the Graduate Committee. Normally, two of the three areas of specialization are examined by a written set of questions/essays based on the mastery of the bibliography for each area submitted by the student and approved by the specialization committees. Students write a major paper for their third area in lieu of an exam. This paper must be submitted within five months of completing the written exams.
The preparation and defense of a Ph.D. dissertation proposal should occur during the semester following the successful completion of the preliminary examination.
The fourth year is normally devoted to the collection of research materials for the dissertation and the drafting of analytic chapters. The fifth year, if necessary, is devoted to completing and defending the Ph.D. dissertation and preparing papers for presentation at professional meetings and publication. Preparation for applying for teaching and research positions, the job interview process, and related issues occur in the final (fourth or fifth) year. The student's Advisor plays an active role in advocating the student for teaching and research positions in the field. Information about research and teaching opportunities are coordinated for the department as a whole.
The development of a core curriculum and its implementation reflects the commitment of the faculty to advise and mentor students. The process involves evaluating students at every stage and informing students of these evaluations, based on detailed and multiple sources of input. The department encourages students through mentorship, teaching and research programs, and financial support. Students select their areas of specialization in conjunction with their faculty advisor and other faculty members. An advisor is assigned to each entering student who will work with the student to formulate a plan of studies for the first year. Subsequently, the student selects an appropriate advisor in conjunction with a M.A. thesis project, the preliminary examination for the doctorate, and the Ph.D. dissertation. Each student has a principal faculty advisor at each of the various stages of the progress toward the Ph.D., although the student may be working with several faculty members.
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