The Creative Journey to Dissertation: Finding Your Voice, Making Your Mark
Course Description
The “Creative Journey to Dissertation” is a 1-week intensive designed by our Dean of Graduate Studies Dr. Gyorgyi Szabo. The course introduces students to tactics for planning, writing, and revising their research to produce polished, clear and highly efficient academic writing.
Spending time together in this focused way provides you with the opportunity for in-depth discussion with both the faculty and your peers, and a chance to receive valuable ideas and feedback from the group. Students frequently report back to us that this is one of the most energizing and inspiring courses they have taken.
Testimonials of Students
Karin Sorvik
In a remarkably short period of time, Gyorgyi and Melissa were able to create and nurture a powerful container for inquiry, discovery, connection and co-creativity. The discussions and creative practices were suffused with heart, spirit, curiosity and play, and I was genuinely moved by the depth of creative and intellectual support of my cohorts I received in just five days. After considering this course for well over a year, I am beyond grateful that I trusted my instincts and signed up. The path is revealed with each small step. I wholeheartedly recommend going on this journey.
Alexandra L.
MA in Wisdom studies student
Wow! The Creative Journey class vastly exceeded my expectations. I now have a new point of view and approach to my dissertation. Self-doubt was replaced by in-depth curiosity and even self-confidence. I learned to be confident, clear and to trust my intuition. The diversity & intelligence of my classmates was also inspirational. Five-star review!
Tally Rhoades
MA in Wisdom studies student
As I mentioned on the last day of the Creative Journey course, I was lacking the motivation to pursue the PhD before I took the course and I’m glad I did it. The course really rekindled my passion and has inspired me to dive deep into the program. I am excited to start the journey and explore the story that is waiting to be narrated through me.
Kanchan Kulkarni
Ph.D student
I am so grateful for the learnings and inspiration I received in the Creative Journey to Dissertation course. This weeklong intensive was a profoundly valuable experience because, in addition to being highly educational, insightful, and creative, it was also deeply supportive. Pursuing an advanced degree can seem overwhelming, but the resources, practical tips, and generosity of spirit in the Creative Journey course, have helped me to feel prepared for the challenge.
Olivia Teter
MA student
The Creative Journey to Dissertation course integrates practical and creative tactics through which one can better define and craft their unique wisdom into a valuable thesis. Deep personal exercises and scholarly guidance helped me better understand myself and tap the courage to create a more profound, globally beneficial, and succinct research topic. I highly recommend this course to guide course planning and the dissertation process.
Cynthia Bledsoe
MA graduate
The course is interactive and participative. When taking the course I had no idea whatsoever what my thesis would be about. I feel the course is suited not only to people writing a dissertation, but to anyone who loves writing or would like to start doing so.
Rudolf Städelin
MA student
How it works
During this virtual intensive, students will familiarize themselves with the writing and research methods specific to the Wisdom School, where the focus is not only on the rational understanding of material but also on the students’ interior journey. Such methods combine objective and subjective elements, joining rigorous analysis with personal introspection, encouraging both intellectual understanding of the material at hand and self-awareness about the proclivities and perspectives that one brings to it.
By exploring both sides of this objective/subjective dynamic, the course aims to help students determine dissertation topics that are suited to their personal journeys, as well as develop strategies that will enrich and advance their projects. They will engage in exercises intended to help them tap their interior wisdom as they hone a topic and give shape to a proposal. In an ambience of mutual support, students will share their dissertation ideas, plans and concerns with student peers and faculty. They will review dissertation requirements, discuss different research methods, and become familiar with helpful resources for the American Psychological Association style of writing, which is required for all dissertations at the University.
Academic Credit
Masters – 4 credits; Doctoral – 4 credits
*After once taking the course for credit, matriculated students are
welcome to repeat it as auditors for a small administrative fee, should
they feel it helpful in the ongoing preparation of their dissertations.
This course is available to enrolled MA and PhD students only.
Registration is capped at 15.
Gyorgyi Szabo PhD
Core faculty of Dissertation Writing
Jim Garrison PhD
Founder, President, Chief Academic Officer, Faculty
Course Learning Objectives
Hone one’s dissertation ideas within a creative crucible of shared inquiry.
Develop strategies to promote the process of writing and completing the dissertation.
Tap one’s own inner wisdom to help shape and refine a dissertation topic.
Identify the ontological and epistemological perspectives of various research methodologies.
