The dissertation represents the culminating achievement of the doctoral program in History. It must reflect the student’s ability to conduct substantial and original research, interpret primary sources critically, and contribute meaningfully to the field’s historiography. Purpose and Scope The dissertation must: Demonstrate sustained, independent historical research using both primary and secondary sources; Offer a clearly articulated argument that makes a significant contribution to historical knowledge; Reflect methodological rigor, historiographical awareness, and scholarly insight; Be of publishable quality in whole or in part. Dissertation length is determined in consultation with the major professor and the advisory committee, but most dissertations in History range from 200 to 300 double-spaced pages, not including the bibliography and appendices. Formatting and Style The dissertation must follow the formatting and submission requirements outlined in the University of Georgia Graduate School's Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD) Guidelines, available at: https://grad.uga.edu/current-students/etd/ For matters of citation, style, and layout, the standard departmental guide is the most recent edition of Kate L. Turabian’s A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. Students may use other style guides (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style) with the approval of their advisor, but must maintain consistency throughout.
