Research Guides: EDOL Orientation: Dissertation Resources

Dissertation Writing as a Process

Note that the list below is a very limited list--there are many helpful sites and books out there! And don’t forget that you never need to go it alone: the EDOL writing consultant will be glad to meet with you and provide individually tailored support.

CARS: Creating a Research Space
This framework is a useful way to conceptualize the task of your dissertation introduction.
Purdue: Thesis and Disseration
Dealing with Writer's Block
Trying to write something? Do you feel stuck? This useful handout (from the University of Toronto Writing Center) offers a problem-solving approach to help you get moving again when the going is slow on a writing project. But don't stop there--remember that support is available through your graduate adviser, EDOL Writing Specialist or ISSP Writing Coordinator, the Library (if you need to do more research), or the Counseling Center. Don't hesitate to reach out.
Dissertation Strategies: "Tips and Tools" (UNC Chapel Hill Writing Center)
Helpful dissertation strategies
Craft of Revision (from Explorations of Style Blog)
For wise advice on the Craft of Revision (and just about every other facet of academic writing, targeting dissertation writers), check out the insightful Explorations of Style Blog on Academic Writing.
APAGS Resource Guide for Ethnic Minority Graduate Students
This is an excellent guide to staying on track with a doctoral program. The guide only addresses writing issues per se briefly (tips on common writing pitfalls, pp. 14-15), but can help you 'see the forest from the trees' during your grad school journey, and maintain overall life balance while pursuing your academic career. Note that this guide is produced by the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS), and is targeted to ethnic minority graduate students in Psychology. However, graduate students in the social sciences more broadly will find it helpful.

The Literature Synthesis

The EDOL Writing Specialist will provide guidance in writing the literature review for your EDOL research project. ISSP also offers a workshop every semester on this topic—please view our Bulletin for the registration link.

Get Lit! The Literature Review
Additionally, for a general video lecture targeted to graduate students on writing the literature review, check out Get Lit! The Literature Review, from the Texas A&M Writing Center.

Avoiding Plagiarism

There are many resources available on this important topic. If in doubt about how to incorporate sources and cite properly, or if you would like to better understand how to appropriately use AI technologies as a research and writing tool, please don't hesitate to consult with a faculty member, librarian or the EDOL Writing Specialist. The ISSP Writing Coordinator, Lisa Estreich, is also happy to meet with you: please email Lisa directly at lisa.estreich@lehman.cuny.edu. Keep in mind that each term, ISSP offers workshops in Quoting, Paraphrasing and Summarizing as well as APA Citation. See the ISSP Bulletin for details.

Avoiding Plagiarism and Writing with Integrity (video from Texas A&M Writing Center)