A student completing a PhD in the Indigenous Studies Program should:
- Have a broad understanding of the discipline (past, present, and future)
- Be competent in the disciplinary theories and methods as well as ethical standards for research with Indigenous peoples
- Be an expert in an area of emphasis-knowing more about the subject than the committee
- Be able to think clearly, critically, and creatively (ie to develop important ideas independently and analyze and evaluate the work of others with confidence)
- Communicate clearly and effectively at a PhD level in written and oral contexts
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of relevant literature and source materials
- Develop and carry out original research resulting in a successfully defended dissertation
Expected Milestones
- Complete all required courses by the end of term two of the second year
- Successfully complete the comprehensive exams by the end of term one of the third year
- Complete the Indigenous language requirement prior to defending their dissertation
- Complete and defend a dissertation proposal within six months of passing the comprehensive exams
- Maintain steady progress on research (including the submission of required progress reports to the program administrator)
- Defend a dissertation by the end of the fourth academic year.