Provides for sustained reading, reflection, and writing regarding their dissertation topic, guided by the student's primary dissertation mentor. Student and faculty mentor will plan the readings or other work. At this point, students should be writing their dissertation proposal with the goal being a complete, revised proposal ready for defense by the time the student takes comprehensive exams at the end of coursework. In rare instances, and with the mentor's approval, this course can be substituted for an elective that is particularly germane to the topic.