Dissertation Guidelines
General statement: The dissertation proposal is a
statement that aims to show the appropriateness, manageability, and
significance of the projected research. It is presented for
approval to the entire faculty of the Graduate Department of
Religion. In writing the proposal the student is responsible for
making a convincing case, at least in general terms, for the
appropriateness, manageability, and significance of the project,
and for doing so in language appropriate to the open forum of
educated discourse. The proposal should deal with the following
issues, though not necessarily in the order of their listing
here:
1. The subject matter. State the subject, and show (1) that the
inquiry properly belongs within the jurisdiction of this
department, and (2) that adequate direction for the project is
available in the faculty.
2. The historical background of the project. As briefly as possible
place the inquiry in the context of earlier research on the subject
or problem.
3. The problem and its significance. Give a preliminary statement
of the problem or thesis and show how the project has some promise
of making a significant contribution to knowledge and/or
understanding. At the minimum the proposal should map out a
coherent line of inquiry; in some instances the research will be
far enough along to state a thesis and show how, if it is
confirmed, it will make a contribution to the discipline.
4. Scope. Show that the projected inquiry is restricted enough to
be manageable and large enough to be significant.
5. Resources. Show that the resources necessary to carry out the
project are available here at Vanderbilt or accessible
elsewhere.
6. Method and procedure. The student should indicate that the
competencies necessary for carrying through with the inquiry have
been acquired and that the proposed method is adequate for the
inquiry.
The proposal should not be longer than three to four single-spaced
typewritten pages in length.