This is the first in a four-course sequence designed to prepare students for the culmination of the doctoral program: the dissertation. The course is designed to help students start thinking about a dissertation and understand the dissertation process. Over four semesters students are guided to develop a draft dissertation proposal (pre-dissertation proposal) to coincide with completion of their work. First year students have separate coursework designed to help them frame their ideas into research plans. Second year students are required to submit a brief 10-page pre-dissertation proposal (dissertation pre-proposal 10pp) in order to pass CED 893. Once students complete the seminars and comprehensive exams, they use their 10-page pre-dissertation porposal and work with a Dissertation Committee Chair to craft a full dissertation proposal.