In their third year, after completing all coursework (except the dissertation proposal class), students register for two review classes in fall and two more in winter. Review classes culminate in comp exams, and are graded on a pass/fail basis.  

RLGN 6010 Comp Review I: Perspectives in the Study of Religion

Students meet weekly for review and discussion of the bibliography for perspectives in the study of religion. These reviews are convened by an advanced ABD or recent PhD in the JDP. The convenor or students may request that individual faculty members attend relevant sessions. Students are encouraged to read in advance of the course. 

RLGN 6020 Comp Review II: Theories and Methods in an Area of Religious Studies

Students each choose one of the six areas of program strength listed below for this fall quarter review and comp exam.  The exam is taken either during the finals week or immediately following conclusion of the fall quarter.

Comp areas:

RLGN 6030 Comp Review III: Knowledge in a Professional Field

Students work individually or in small groups with their dissertation advisor and committee members or other faculty in the students' chosen field of specialization. The purpose is to synthesize coursework, fill in gaps, and expand knowledge needed as a professional in the specific field of religious studies. The exam in the major field is taken at the end of winter quarter.

RLGN 6040 Comp Review IV: Knowledge in Minor Area or Subfield

Students work individually or in small groups with faculty in the students' chosen subfield or minor area of study, or with the dissertation advisor on a deeper area of specialization within the professional field. The exam in the major field is takenat the end of winter quarter.

**This is the form that you will need to have all of the readers for your RLGN 6030 and RLGN 6040 fill out and sign. Student Comp Form.pdf 

Exams and Scheduling

The four-hour exam following RLGN 6010 on Perspectives in the Study of Religion will be taken by all students at the same time and place on campus. The exam is closed book with no notes.  Students will work with their convenor and faculty examiners to choose a date and time for this exam.

RLGN 6020, 6030, and 6040 exams are administered through the DU Canvas system.  This allows students to take the exam on their laptops from a quiet space where they will be uninterrupted. The honor system is in force! Your exam questions will be available on the DU Canvas starting promptly at the designated time and the final answer must be uploaded no later than the appointed ending time.  There is the of a 4-hour closed-book format or a 72-hour open-book format. 

Note: Students and examiners should ensure that no student takes two exams in one day. Normally at least one full day should be left between exams.

Examiners

All exams must have two readers, and between the two exams each quarter there must be at least three different readers. Please see the Student Handbook for details on faculty qualifications and processes for the exams.