Coursework

During their first three years of the program, students take regular courses, seminars, tutorials and reading courses from faculty in the Committee and elsewhere in the University. This is done both to prepare students for the Fundamentals Examination and to acquire the skills and foundations needed to write the dissertation and enter the discipline they have in mind.

Students are expected to consult with their advisers or other Committee faculty in planning their coursework and program. During this phase, students should plan to take at least two courses per quarter and the following milestones must be met:

Start of Spring Quarter, Year 1: At least four courses must be completed and graded.
Start of Spring Quarter, Year 2: At least eight courses must be completed and graded.
End of Spring Quarter, Year 2: At least ten courses must be completed and graded.

Of these ten courses, eight must be taken for a quality grade and up to two may be taken Pass/Fail. Classes that are audited do not count toward the coursework requirement. 

In each of the first two years, students must submit two substantial essays. These will be written over the course of each year for regular coursework and each essay must be certified by a member of the Committee faculty.

Essay deadlines:
Essay 1 in year 1 or 2: Due by the first day of the Spring Quarter.
Essay 2 in year 1 or 2: Due no later than the end of Summer Quarter.