THS 944 - Proposal Study IV | 2026-2027

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.

THS 943 - Proposal Study III | 2026-2027

Provides for sustained reading and reflection for students to identify their primary research question (or thesis) and the subsidiary questions and structure of argument required to answer it. Guided by the student's primary dissertation mentor. Student and faculty mentor will plan the readings or other work. At this point in the proposal process, students should begin to write their dissertation proposal. In rare instances, and with the mentor's approval, this course can be substituted for an elective that is particularly germane to the topic.

THS 942 - Proposal Study II | 2026-2027

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.