- Dissertation Prospectus
By the end of the term following prelims, students prepare a prospectus with the recommended length of the prospectus is 4,000-7,000 words (~15-25 double-spaced pages), excluding the bibliography, outlining the proposed dissertation research. The format of the prospectus varies, therefore the prospectus should be written in close consultation with the dissertation chair or co-chairs. The student’s dissertation committee meets with the student to discuss the prospectus and agree upon a plan of action. - Dissertation Committee
The dissertation committee consists of at least four members, three of whom are regular members of the Rackham graduate faculty and two of whom are regular (voting) members of the History Department; in addition the committee must have a cognate member from outside the History Department (students may petition to use as a cognate, a History faculty member with a joint appointment in another department). - History 995 (Fall and Winter terms until graduation) – Dissertation Candidacy
Students will be enrolled in this course every term until graduation. It is taken with the dissertation committee chair. - History 891 (Fall and Winter terms; optional) – Dissertation Research/Writing Seminar
Designed for students who have returned recently from the archives, this course helps overcome the anxieties of returning from so long away, and the relative isolation that many experience when writing the dissertation. The aim of the course is to produce one or two chapters of the dissertation in a structured setting with feedback from instructor and peers. - History 898 (Fall and Winter terms; optional) – Job Skills Colloquium
A full year course that helps students develop job market skills. - Dissertation Defense
By the end of the seventh year, students must defend the dissertation and present a completed copy to Rackham to conclude the process.
