Area exams

[Imaginary]

Ok; this might seem like a stupid question. And I am not going to ask my supervisor, because I don't have one yet, and who I choose may very well be based on which area exams I choose. I am an American student. All of my background is in American literature. I am studying at a Canadian school. Is there any advantage in choosing American Lit as one of my area exams?

[dazedandbemused]

I'll follow your stupid question with another stupid question--what exactly is an area exam? I'm making an educated guess in my head, but what is ultimate outcome of this exam supposed to be? In my program we have the field exam which is geared toward helping you figure out your intervention in your own field, but I'm guessing this is a different thing.