This course provides the student the opportunity to complete a written doctoral dissertation research proposal defense. Students work with a mentor/dissertation chair to prepare the first three chapters of their dissertation: the introduction, literature review, and research design and methodology. The introduction establishes the context and significance of the research. The literature review provides a thorough examination of relevant scholarly works, demonstrating continuity between the dissertation and prior research in the field. The research design and methodology describe how the research question(s) will be examined and answered. The written proposal must identify testable hypotheses and specify how they will be tested and analyzed, and include solid drafts of expected surveys, interview guides, and/or focus group discussion questions. The written defense presents evidence that is factually and logically valid, ordered in an appropriate analytic structure. Graded on a credit/no credit basis.