Dissertation Writing
Winter 2027
This writing course is designed for doctoral students who want to draft or revise part of one or more chapters of their dissertation, develop a working method for writing the dissertation, and gain self-awareness as independent writers. The course engages doctoral students in planning, managing, and improving their dissertation writing process. To this end, students will define expectations of a dissertation in their discipline, set goals for their writing, and develop practices that they can apply to both their dissertation and their future writing beyond the Ph.D.
The format for this course combines seminar meetings, write-together and peer-review sessions, and individual meetings with the instructor. During seminar meetings, students will engage in discussions and reflective writing. Students will also compose several journal entries over the term, each with a prompt on a reading or engaging in your own writing process and identity.
Creating an Open, Inclusive, and Supportive Classroom Environment
It is important that our classroom be a thoughtful and inclusive space, in which everyone and all learning styles feel valued and welcomed. We will work to cultivate this type of environment by working together to listen respectfully to each other and to make time and space for everyone to participate as they see fit.
Course Goals
- To understand the requirements / expectations of a dissertation
- To develop a generative writer’s identity
- To make writing action plans and accountability goals
- To establish a reliable writing method / practice
- To practice academic revision strategies
- To connect with / learn from fellow dissertators
Course Requirements
This course is graded credit/no credit. To earn credit, you must show quantifiable progress in your writing, i.e. draft and/or revise between 25+ pages of material for one or more dissertation chapters; complete several journal entries; and regularly attend and participate.
Intended Audience
Doctoral students in the writing stage of their dissertations.
