Your final prospectus drafts!

How to Write a Dissertation Prospectus as a Research Plan (Theory, Method, Evidence, Questions). The instructor reviews common issues in students’ dissertation prospectus drafts and grants a little more time plus additional office hours, with relaxed final-draft deadlines if students stay in communication. He emphasizes that in Chicana and Chicano Studies the prospectus should function as a concise research plan (not a research paper or an extended literature review), covering an introduction that clearly states the project and primary evidence, followed by questions, theory, methods (including concrete “roll up your sleeves” details like sites, archives, interview numbers and selection logic), literature review, evidence, chapter outline, significance, and a timeline. He points to Bilge Aydin’s successful prospectus as a model, urges students to distill and focus to around ten pages, and reminds them to confirm expectations with their dissertation advisor, especially across departments. 00:00 Course Wrap Up 00:28 Research Plan Mindset 02:27 Model Prospectus Structure 04:38 Handbook Requirements 05:25 Cutting to the Core 07:56 Page Count Reality Check 09:32 Methods Get Specific 13:02 Evidence and Analysis Details 13:50 Common Prospectus Mistakes 14:04 Final Checklist and Expectations 15:53 Advisor Alignment Across Departments 17:59 Deadlines and Office Hours 18:34 Closing Encouragement