A focus group conducted in 2003-2004 with 276 faculty members in 74 departments across 10 disciplines at 9 research universities, defined outstanding dissertations as those "characterized by originality, high-quality writing, and compelling consequences. They argue outstanding dissertations display richness of thought and insight and make important contributions to their field or discipline." (Lovitts, 2005).
This process begins with the dissertation proposal. Proposals provide the roadmap for producing an outstanding dissertation. While there are a lot of formats a proposal can take, most call for the candidate to explain what they intend to do; why the work is important; how they intend to do it; and how it fits into existing literature and source material in that field. Indigenous Studies sits on the boundaries of the three decanal areas at Trent (humanities, social sciences and science). Proposal format and content often differ across these decanal areas so it is important to consider where you see your research situated. In social science, for instance, there is a reliance on a separate literature review but this is not always called for in a humanities-based dissertation where scholarship is often weaved throughout the chapters.
In most fields, the proposal reveals what has already been done on a given topic and how a candidate's dissertation will make an original contribution to that field of study. It also provides a clear understanding of how candidates will gather sources of information, interpret them, evaluate and present them in the dissertation. It also determines how findings are presented and discussed. In an Indigenous Studies context, it is also important to position yourself as a researcher and to discuss your relationship to the topic and knowledge you will be engaging with.
Components of a Dissertation Proposal Often Include:
- Introduction and Specific Aims
- Positionality
- Research Ethics
- Background and Significance (purpose and scope)
- Source Review
- Theory and Methods
- Chapter Outline
The specific design and content of dissertation proposals are best developed in consultation with a dissertation supervisor.
Students should establish regular meetings with their supervisor in the first year and begin the process of working on aspects of the proposal as they move through first-year courses.