Proposal to Conduct Orally Part I of the MA Comprehensive Exam

This is to inform students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Theological Studies or Pastoral Ministry program (non-STB students) that currently under discussion in the LST Curriculum Committee and the Faculty Assembly is a proposal to conduct orally Part I of the MA Comprehensive Exam. Part II of the examination will still be conducted in written form.

As per the statutes of the Loyola School of Theology, the competent body to decide collegially on the matter, after discussion in the Curriculum Committee and Faculty Assembly, is the Faculty and Student Representatives Assembly (FASRA). The FASRA is due to meet on March 8, 2012 to discuss, and vote on, the proposal. If approved, the decision will take effect beginning the First Semester of next School Year 2012-2013.

Students are most welcome to relay their opinions to the duly-elected members of the Executive Board of the Student Council who represent the student body in the FASRA. They are Neupito Saicon SJ, Clinton Farrugia MSSP, Mark Yoniz Beley, OMI and Ronielito Cruda.

The proposed mechanics of the Oral Comprehensive Examination are as follows:
 
1. All M.A. students will now be required to take an oral comprehensive exam, instead of a written exam, on the following foundation courses: Revelation and Faith, Christology, Ecclesiology, Christian Worship, and Fundamental Moral Theology.

2. At the beginning of the semester that one intends to take the Comprehensive Exam, the student will be given a set of Thesis Statements on the five (5) foundation courses.  He/she must be prepared to be examined on all the theses. Questions from the panel of professors will deal with both theological content and pastoral/practical application. Forty-eight (48) hours before the scheduled oral exam, the student will be informed of the composition of the panel of professors.

3. At the oral exam itself, each of the three (3) professors will have fifteen (15) minutes to ask questions, for a maximum of 45 minutes of examination. Each professor will give his/her mark for the student’s performance, and the LST office will calculate the average mark.

4. In order to assist the M.A. student in reviewing the courses and in preparing for the oral exam, LST will provide review classes in every 1st and 3rd quarters of the academic year; correspondingly, oral exams will be held in the 2nd and 4th quarters. Review classes will consist of seven (7) sessions. There will be an introductory session for an overview of the theses; five sessions for the five courses; and a final integration or synthesis class. The schedule of the review classes will be published at the time of the academic advisement. At the time of registration, the student pays the fees of the review classes (amount to be determined by the LST office). These review classes are optional but only those officially enrolled will be allowed to attend. 

Note: According to LST Statutes art. 11: "The FASRA is the academic policy-making body of LST. It is therefore responsible for policies governing curriculum, academic standards, admissions, student welfare, recruitment of faculty, and for policies governing research and the library. Matter for discussion and legislation can be voted upon in FASRA only when prepared by the Agenda Committee and presented to the Faculty Assembly and the Student Council for discussion. … Only FASRA has the prerogative of committing the School to official participation and membership as an institution in any organization or movement, or of making the School sponsor or signatory of a determined position or statement."