What Is the Exam-Dissertation Sequence (EDS)?

The EDS is a structured, 4-course progression designed to guide you through creating your dissertation. It ensures that by the time you defend and submit your final work, you’ve already drafted major sections and undergone multiple rounds of feedback and revision. The process is both academic and social—it helps you become a scholar capable of producing original, publishable research and supports you through collaboration, peer feedback, and mentoring.

🎓 The Problem with Traditional Dissertation Work

Dissertation writing is often isolating, exhausting, and demotivating. Many doctoral students begin with enthusiasm, but it fades as they become disconnected from peers and overwhelmed by rigid methods. Despite the humor seen in accounts like @AcademiaObscura, the real issue is a breakdown in the scholarly experience—students are left feeling alone and disillusioned. You are not alone. Seek help from your dissertation coordinator. Utilize University services. Read the newsletter.

🔁 This Program Aims to Be Different

🌍 1. Transformational Focus

The dissertation should be imagination-driven, not just method-driven.
Methods are tools, not the goal—keep sight of your larger purpose: creating innovative ideas and transformative educational practices.
Avoid research questions that are so narrow or obvious that the answers lack impact.
Stay motivated by purpose, not just process.

👥 2. Productive Diversity & Peer Community

Dissertation work should be collaborative, not lonely.
Traditional models isolate students until short bursts of feedback from advisors or committees.
In contrast, real-world scholarship is communal—labs, teams, peer review, discussion.
This program builds a vibrant intellectual community where peers actively support and challenge each other.
Embracing diverse perspectives strengthens scholarship and keeps the process meaningful.

✨ Bottom Line

This module—and the broader dissertation sequence—seeks to transform the doctoral journey by combining purposeful research with a supportive scholarly community, breaking away from outdated, isolating norms. With that said, it is very common to write, re-write, and re-write again. Expect several iterations, this is normal.

Course-by-Course Breakdown

Key Features of the Approach

Collaborative & Supportive Structure:
Weekly synchronous workshops
Peer review & feedback cycles
Student-led support community
Faculty committees with feedback throughout

Core Philosophy

Inspired by Umberto Eco’s classic How to Write a Thesis, the EDS sees the dissertation not just as a hoop to jump through, but as:

“An original, organized, and useful contribution to scholarship.”

– Umberto Eco

Your work enters a global scholarly conversation, and it’s held to the standards of academic publications. Though it may evolve through feedback, revision, and personal growth, its purpose remains to push the boundaries of your field. It is a journey of discovery!

Helpful Supplementary Resources

Umberto Eco – How to Write a Thesis (classic, practical, still relevant)
Patrick Dunleavy – Authoring a PhD Thesis (clear strategies for writing and structuring)
Kjell Rudestam & Rae Newton – Surviving Your Dissertation (step-by-step, supportive tone)
James Hayton – PhD: An Uncommon Guide (holistic, real-talk approach)
Walker et al. – The Formation of Scholars (rethinking doctoral education for today)

Bonus Suggestions (outside sources):

The Thesis Whisperer (https://thesiswhisperer.com/)
A blog packed with real talk and advice for thesis writers worldwide.
Purdue OWL’s Academic Writing Resources (https://owl.purdue.edu)
Especially helpful for APA formatting, structuring arguments, and academic tone.
Zotero or Mendeley – Free citation managers that streamline reference organization and are essential for large research projects.

Academic Writing: An important Note: Be sure to review the Tips section next in the menu!