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Title: RES 900: Doctoral Dissertation Writing and Defense
Subtitle: Crafting and Defending Your Scholarly Work
Course Name & Level: Doctoral Dissertation Writing and Defense, Doctorate Degree
Number of Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Keywords: Dissertation Writing, Defense Preparation, Doctoral Studies
1. Introduction:
This course provides doctoral candidates with the tools and guidance necessary to complete their dissertation writing and prepare for the defense. Emphasis is on refining research, writing effectively, and mastering the defense process.
2. Course Description:
An advanced course designed to support doctoral candidates in writing their dissertation and preparing for the oral defense. Students will receive personalized feedback, engage in peer reviews, and refine their scholarly work.
3. Course Purpose:
To equip doctoral candidates with the skills and knowledge required to successfully write and defend their dissertation.
4. Course Objectives:
To guide students through the dissertation writing process and prepare them for the defense of their scholarly work.
5. Key Terms Defined & Key Concepts Explained:
- Dissertation Writing: The process of documenting the research, analysis, and findings of a doctoral candidate’s study.
- Dissertation Defense: An oral examination where the candidate presents their research and responds to questions from a committee.
- Scholarly Work: Academic research that contributes new knowledge or insights to a specific field of study.
- Peer Review: Evaluation of scholarly work by others in the same field to ensure accuracy and quality.
- Feedback Loop: A process of receiving and incorporating feedback to improve scholarly work.
6. Specific Topics with Descriptions:
- Introduction to Dissertation Writing: Overview of the course and its objectives.
- Refining Research Questions: Techniques for sharpening research questions and hypotheses.
- Structuring the Dissertation: Guidelines for organizing the dissertation into coherent chapters.
- Writing the Literature Review: Methods for synthesizing existing research and identifying gaps.
- Data Analysis and Interpretation: Approaches for analyzing and interpreting research data.
- Drafting and Revising Chapters: Strategies for writing and revising dissertation chapters.
- Citation and Referencing: Best practices for citing sources and avoiding plagiarism.
- Preparing for the Defense: Tips for presenting research and responding to questions.
- Practice Defense Sessions: Simulated defense sessions with peer and instructor feedback.
- Addressing Committee Feedback: Techniques for incorporating feedback from dissertation committees.
- Finalizing the Dissertation: Steps for completing and submitting the dissertation.
- Case Studies in Dissertation Success: Analysis of successful dissertations and defense strategies.
7. Assessments with Descriptions:
- Quizzes: Regular quizzes to test knowledge of key concepts and methodologies.
- Draft Chapter Submissions: Submission of draft chapters for instructor feedback.
- Peer Review Sessions: Participation in peer review sessions to provide and receive feedback.
- Literature Review: Comprehensive review of existing literature related to the research topic.
- Final Dissertation Draft: Submission of the final draft of the dissertation.
- Practice Defense: Participation in a mock defense session.
- Oral Presentation: Presentation of research findings and methodology.
- Final Exam: Comprehensive exam covering the entire course content.
8. Research References:
- Writing the Doctoral Dissertation: A Systematic Approach by Gordon B. Davis and Clyde A. Parker. eBook format. MLA Citation: Davis, Gordon B., and Clyde A. Parker. Writing the Doctoral Dissertation: A Systematic Approach. Barron’s Educational Series, 2012.
- How to Write a Thesis by Umberto Eco. eBook format. MLA Citation: Eco, Umberto. How to Write a Thesis. MIT Press, 2015.
- The Dissertation Journey: A Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Writing, and Defending Your Dissertation by Carol M. Roberts. eBook format. MLA Citation: Roberts, Carol M. The Dissertation Journey: A Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Writing, and Defending Your Dissertation. Corwin, 2010.
- The Craft of Research by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. eBook format. MLA Citation: Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. The Craft of Research. University of Chicago Press, 2016.
- Dissertation and Theses from Start to Finish: Psychology and Related Fields by John D. Cone and Sharon L. Foster. eBook format. MLA Citation: Cone, John D., and Sharon L. Foster. Dissertation and Theses from Start to Finish: Psychology and Related Fields. American Psychological Association, 2006.
This comprehensive curriculum ensures that students are well-prepared to write and defend their dissertation, focusing on King Jesus, His Kingdom, and His Great Commission.
