Dissertations submitted for a PhD in Religious Diversity in North America are typically structured as a monograph that makes an original and important contribution to their field. They have at least four or five chapters, which together address a central question, providing answers to that question (i.e., sustaining an argument) by drawing on evidence collected through original research. The monograph format also requires an introduction and conclusion, as well as conventional formatting (title page, abstract, citations, and reference list following a proper academic style). These are guidelines and not requirements. Students are expected to consult with their supervisors, committee members, and graduate coordinators in preparing for and writing their dissertations.
All dissertation projects are subject to research ethics protocols as specified by the policies set out by the university where they are registered (WLU/UW):
The candidate must defend the dissertation orally after it has been approved for a formal defense by the candidate’s supervisory committee and graduate coordinator.
For more information, please consult the general dissertation guidelines of your university:
- Laurier Academic Calendar Doctoral Dissertation Guidelines
- Waterloo Graduate Studies Thesis Guidelines
For examples, please see dissertations completed by graduates from both Laurier and Waterloo: