Includes sustained reading, reflection, and identification of a potential dissertation topic, guided by the student's primary dissertation mentor. Student and faculty mentor will plan the readings, which might include classic, significant background works within the field; resources on potential research methods relevant to the dissertation; literature review of the topic; or whatever is in the best interest of the student's progress. Other work such as translation, textual analysis, or database development may be assigned. In rare instances, with the mentor's approval, this course can be substituted for an elective that is particularly germane to the topic.