Years 4, 5, & 6: Requirements, Expectations & Deadlines
Updated October 2023
Program Emphasis
During Years 4, 5, & 6, students research and write the dissertation. The dissertation defense is generally held in the 18thQuarter.
During Years 4, 5 & 6, students are expected to enroll in 12 units of LTXX 299 independent studies under the direction of one of the members of their Doctoral Committee and have a 50% TA position (or other form of financial support). Students are welcome to take additional seminars or 500-level courses, as long as their total enrollment each quarter equals at least 12 units.
Course Requirements (Year 4)
| Fall (10th Quarter) | Winter (11th Quarter) | Spring (12th Quarter) |
|---|---|---|
| LTXX 299 (12 units) | LTXX 299 (12 units) | LTXX 299 (12 units) |
Course Requirements (Year 5)
| Fall (13th Quarter) | Winter (14th Quarter) | Spring (15th Quarter) |
|---|---|---|
| LTXX 299 (12 units) | LTXX 299 (12 units) | LTXX 299 (12 units) |
Course Requirements (Year 6)
| Fall (16th Quarter) | Winter (17th Quarter) | Spring (18th Quarter) |
|---|---|---|
| LTXX 299 (12 units) | LTXX 299 (12 units) | LTXX 299 (12 units) |
Additional Expectations & Deadlines
Tenth Quarter:
- Prepare 8-10 page prospectus and bibliography; meet with Doctoral Committee to discuss prospectus
- Begin dissertation research and writing
Eleventh through Eighteenth Quarter:
- Dissertation research, writing, and revision
- At least once a year (preferably in Winter or early Spring Quarter), meet with all Doctoral Committee members. Inform committee members of your progress, current status, and upcoming steps in your dissertation writing.
- Each year, complete the Annual Spring Evaluation process.
- Enroll in the departmental Job Materials Workshop (taught by the PhD Careers Advisor) the spring before you anticipate beginning an academic job search. Typically, this would mean taking the course at the end of your anticipated second-to-last year in the program.
- If/when you are prepared to defend your dissertation, refer to the "Dissertation Defense & Graduation" page for the process and requirements.
Preparing the Prospectus
Before the end of the 10th Quarter (or the quarter following the qualifying exams and advancement to candidacy), the student prepares a dissertation prospectus of 8 - 10 pages and a supporting bibliography. The student arranges a meeting with the Doctoral Committee to discuss the prospectus and bibliography and to plan the subsequent direction of research.
NOTE: After presenting a prospectus, if the student wishes to change the dissertation topic, the student must prepare another prospectus and obtain approval from their Doctoral Committee. If deemed necessary by a majority of the committee members, the student will defend the new topic at an oral examination conducted by the committee.