Pre-Prospectus: In order to begin the winter term, the student must have already drafted a description of the project. This will begin as a pre-prospectus, an overview that is approximately 5-8 pages and includes an attached bibliography. The student should consult with the committee chair for content and length of the bibliography. The pre-prospectus is due no later than April 1 of term 6 (winter of the third year). The approved pre-prospectus should be filed with both graduate offices by the deadline; dissertation chairs can email their approval to the English Graduate Office by April 1.
Prospectus: A prospectus is due in both graduate offices no later than September 15 of term 7 (fall of 4th year). The prospectus must first be approved by the dissertation chair and one other member of the committee (by an e-mail to the English Graduate Office by September 15); most chairs and readers will need to see the prospectus no later than September 1, so that they can suggest revisions and the student has time to make them. After the prospectus is approved, a copy of it in its final form should be given to all members of the committee.