I am thankful that in our department, the comprehensive requirement comprises the literature review for our thesis, and it is deemed passed when our committee (and especially supervisor) agrees that the appropriate ground has been covered to contextualize the later research.

Yes, in our department, we have finally reached the Enlightenment.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on comps. For others who do not know, Gene is on my committee so I have particular interest in his ideas on this subject. I also have the distinction of having not passed written comps one year ago (it sounds so much better that failure).

Since we only have two attempts at comps, I have not worked up the courage to tackle it again but am scheduled for January. I was unprepared due to two eye surgeries over the prior year, which kept me out of the literature. I basically took a year off from “synthesizing” the material.

In addition, I have a disability (essential tremor-read about it here: http://www.chg.duke.edu/diseases/et.html) which makes it extremely difficult to write - or type- especially under stress. Before taking comps last year, I attempted to take the shakes out of the equation by having a glass of wine about 30 minutes ahead (alcohol hits the same place in the brain as the tremor and thus helps to control it). Well, if the wine helped, I’m glad I drank it - without it, I probably could not have walked.

Shortly after “not passing” comps, I consulted a tremor specialist and obtained a prescription for a beta blocker that helps control the tremors. It works well - except for the side effects (depression and lethargy). At this point, I only take it when I will be in a social situation where it could be a problem. I’m still not sure what to do when comps time comes. But now, it is a certified disability that will at least gain me some additional time to try to write.

Sorry about the lengthy personal story but it provides some context. You see, I am in support of Gene’s thoughts about the uselessness of comps (for those of you in higher ed, we know it serves a “gatekeeping” function, don’t we?). However, in order to change this system (especially at W&M) it would require a “paradigm shift” (see, I do remember something from Dr. VanTassel-Baska’s Cross Disciplinary class - thanks to Kuhn). That shift is not likely soon so just bone up and write your heart out - hoping for the best.

For those of you taking comps at W&M the next two days - All the Best!