Overview
This is an individualized-readings course designed to prepare you for writing your dissertation proposal in the next phase of your program, which is DDBA 806. With the assistance of a designated faculty member, you will determine the knowledge and skills still needed to write your proposal, and you will develop an independent study contract tailored to help you meet those needs.
Outline
This course is divided into 17 weeks.
- In Week 1 of the course, you will prepare an outline for your planned dissertation research and engage in discussion about graduate supervision.
- In Weeks 2–3, you will work with your supervisor and the DDBA 805 instructor to develop a study contract for the remainder of the course. This contract will specify your goals, learning activities, and deliverables to be completed by the end of the course.
- In Weeks 4–17, you will carry out all work specified in your study contract toward achieving your goals. At the conclusion of the course, you should be ready to begin work on your dissertation proposal in DDBA 806.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will have
- developed a working relationship with your dissertation supervisor.
- developed with your supervisor and DDBA 805 instructor a clear and concrete list of learning deliverables and goals, formalized in an independent study contract of tasks (including objectives, resources and strategies, target dates for completion, and deliverables or verification of completion).
- prepared yourself to begin writing your dissertation proposal in the next course, DDBA 806, based on the completion of concrete tasks set out in your independent study contract.
Evaluation
Your grade will be based on the successful completion two assignments and your participation in moderated group discussions.
| Activity | Weight |
| Participation in Discussion | Pass/Fail |
| Assignment 1: Dissertation Research Outline | Pass/Fail |
| Assignment 2: Independent Study Contract | Pass/Fail |