DISS 987 Dissertation Proposal and Research I

A course designed to develop research skills in the development and approval of a dissertation prospectus/proposal. Students will write and secure approval of a PhD prospectus/proposal outlining chapter by chapter content summation in alignment with a thesis statement and a comprehensive approach to research and writing. The dissertation prospectus/proposal must be approved prior to beginning dissertation writing, which will take place within the course once the prospectus/proposal is approved.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Students who successfully conclude both the required coursework and comprehensive exams for the PhD in Theology and Apologetics need to complete a dissertation for fulfill the final requirements to earn the degree. This course is the initial step in completing the degree. In DISS 987, the PhD candidate secures approval for a dissertation topic. This course also prepares the PhD candidate for dissertation writing. In this course, the PhD candidate develops a dissertation prospectus/proposal and obtains approval for the dissertation topic while working with a dissertation chair. The tasks for this course must be successfully completed before dissertation writing can formally commence.

Before taking this quiz, you will schedule at least one meeting with your dissertation chair to discuss the dissertation topic and proposal. The discussion may include issues related to the thesis statement, literature review, proper method, detailed bibliography, and overview of the chapters of the dissertation that will make up part of the final prospectus/proposal. You are required to meet virtually at least ONCE with the dissertation chair, but since there are 4 weeks to complete this assignment you may meet more than once. Only ONE grade will be submitted for this assignment. This meeting must take place prior to the last day of Week 4.

The Prospectus is important for providing a foundation for the finished dissertation and may serve as the first chapter of the dissertation. In this paper, you will construct a thesis statement, literature review, a proper method, a detailed bibliography, and an overview of the chapters of the dissertation. This assignment is a first draft of the prospectus that will be submitted for review by the dissertation chair and committee.

The Prospectus is important for providing a foundation for the finished dissertation and may serve as the first chapter of the dissertation. In this paper you will revise the first draft of your prospectus based on the information given by your dissertation chair and committee. Once revisions are complete, the prospectus will be submitted again to the dissertation chair and committee for final approval. This assignment will provide an opportunity for you to evaluate your topic while also comparing of your approach to those of scholars in the field.

This quiz covers the basic materials for DISS 987. The student will answer four true/false questions, and the responses to those questions will help the dissertation chair to determine whether or not the student is ready to move to DISS 988.