The comprehensive exercise is a substantial (approximately 34-40 page) research paper on a topic within African, African American, and/or African Diaspora Studies, grounded in two complementary disciplines, advised by two faculty members chosen from these two disciplines. The student should have completed a 300-level capstone experience in one of these two disciplines. The comps process begins with a proposal in fall term of the senior year, and ends with a written thesis and oral presentation early in spring term.