The primary outcome of a PhD degree is the production of an original work of research of dissertation length. In the coursework leading up to that capstone project, students are given opportunities to build the skills necessary for a good dissertation. The research paper in this course, and its various components, are an exercise in honing those skills. The first required element leading up to the final draft of the research paper is the thesis sentence. This is a one-sentence description of the scope of your research paper. A good thesis sentence is essential to a good paper, for it gives the paper its shape and direction. The professor is able to review it and either approve it as-is for full credit or ask for a revision. (MLO: B)
The primary outcome of a PhD degree is the production of an original work of research of dissertation length. In the coursework leading up to that capstone project, students are given opportunities to build the skills necessary for a good dissertation. The research paper in this course, and its various components, are an exercise in honing those skills. The second required element leading up to the final draft of the research paper is the research outline. This is a document-in-progress that is submitted to show the progress of research. It outlines the shape and contour of your argument and can be as detailed as you wish at this point in your research. The professor is able to review it and suggest changes or additions toward making your paper better. (MLOs: C, D, E)