Course Listings

2025 Spring > GRAD > GISD > GISD 899

Dissertation Research Seminar

Course #: GISD 899

Description:
This course provides support for the dissertation proposal, research, and writing. It introduces students to all aspects of the dissertation process and relevant University of Massachusetts Boston and School for Global Inclusion and Social Development (SGISD) policies, procedures, and guidelines. The course addresses broad dissertation areas, yet allows flexibility based upon students' particular topics, progress, and needs. The course will help students a) identify or refine their dissertation topics, conduct a literature review and create a conceptual framework, develop a research design and a plan for completing the proposed research and dissemination the results; b) form a dissertation committee; c) develop and submit an application to receive ethics approval for human subject research (if appropriate); d) prepare the oral defense of their proposal; e)identify potential funding sources and develop research funding application. The course uses a combination of instructional approaches and learning methods intended to help students complete their proposal. Additionally, the course intends to foster student peer interactions as a source of academic and personal support for students as they are embarking on the dissertation process. This is a core course for doctoral students in Global Inclusion and Social Development.