Includes sustained reading, reflection, and identification of significant questions related to their dissertation topic, guided by the student's primary dissertation mentor. Student and faculty mentor plan readings, which might include classic, significant background works within the field; resources on research methods relevant to the dissertation; literature review of the topic; or whatever is in best interest of the student's progress. Other work such as that of THS 941 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. Pre-requisite(s): THS 941.