Mock Dissertation Proposal and Bibliography Exercise

Introduction

The dissertation is the capstone of doctoral research: a sustained, original contribution to scholarship that demonstrates mastery of sources, methods, and argumentation. But few students arrive at the final stage ready to immediately write a full dissertation proposal. Instead, they must practice integration by drafting mock proposals that allow them to experiment with research questions, methodological frameworks, and bibliographic organization before committing to the years-long process of dissertation writing.

This exercise is not merely preparatory busywork. A mock dissertation proposal functions like a rehearsal, giving students the chance to apply the full suite of research skills they have cultivated throughout their doctoral training. It requires formulating a viable research question, surveying and evaluating relevant scholarship, selecting appropriate methods, sketching an argument trajectory, and assembling an annotated bibliography that demonstrates breadth and depth of engagement with primary and secondary sources.

In this chapter, we will examine the purpose and structure of a dissertation proposal, provide models for how to craft one in Biblical Studies, and explain how to build an annotated bibliography that supports the proposal’s claims. We will also connect these practices to theological and biblical foundations of scholarly stewardship, and conclude with assignments that will guide students in completing this exercise.

The Purpose of a Dissertation Proposal

Establishing Research Viability

The primary purpose of a dissertation proposal is to demonstrate that the project is:

1. Viable – It can be researched with available sources and within a reasonable timeframe.

2. Significant – It contributes to ongoing scholarly debates.

3. Original – It offers something beyond what has already been said.

4. Coherent – It follows a defensible methodology and structure.

A Proposal as a Covenant

In many ways, the proposal functions as a covenant between the student and the scholarly community. Just as covenants in Scripture articulate promises, conditions, and goals, so the proposal sets forth what the student commits to deliver, what methods will govern the work, and what contribution will be made to the field.

Core Components of a Dissertation Proposal

Most doctoral programs expect a proposal to include the following elements:

1. Title – A concise summary of the project’s focus.

2. Introduction/Statement of Problem – The central research question and its significance.

3. Literature Review – Survey of existing scholarship, identifying gaps.

4. Methodology – Explanation of methods and why they are appropriate.

5. Chapter Outline – Tentative structure of the dissertation.

6. Bibliography – Extensive, often annotated, list of primary and secondary sources.

Each section integrates competencies learned in this course: research design, source evaluation, literature review, bibliographic management, and scholarly argumentation.

Crafting a Mock Dissertation Proposal

Step 1: Formulating the Research Question

The research question should be precise, significant, and feasible.

• Too broad: “Paul’s theology of salvation.”

• Refined: “The function of Abraham in Paul’s argument for justification in Romans 4 in light of Second Temple Jewish traditions.”

A strong question is narrow enough to be answerable, yet broad enough to sustain a dissertation-length project.

Step 2: Framing the Significance

Why does this question matter? A dissertation proposal must show how the project speaks to debates in the field. For example, a project on Romans 4 situates itself in debates about the New Perspective on Paul, justification, and intertextual use of Abraham traditions.

Step 3: Reviewing the Literature

The literature review identifies the state of the question. It should:

• Summarize leading scholarly positions.

• Highlight tensions or gaps.

• Position the proposed research within the debate.

Step 4: Explaining the Methodology

The methodology section defends the tools chosen. In Biblical Studies, this may include:

• Textual criticism.

• Historical-critical methods.

• Rhetorical or discourse analysis.

• Theological interpretation.

• Reception history.

Step 5: Structuring the Dissertation

A tentative chapter outline gives the project trajectory. Each chapter should function as a sub-claim contributing to the dissertation’s thesis.

Step 6: Building the Bibliography

The bibliography demonstrates readiness to engage scholarship. It should include:

• Primary sources (biblical texts, manuscripts, inscriptions, early Jewish and Christian literature).

• Secondary sources (monographs, journal articles, commentaries).
  An annotated bibliography strengthens this by showing how each source will be used.

The Role of the Annotated Bibliography

Definition

An annotated bibliography is more than a list of works. Each entry includes:

• Full citation (in Turabian, SBL, APA, etc.).

• Summary of the work’s argument.

• Evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses.

• Relevance to the dissertation project.

Why It Matters

Annotations ensure that you have not only read the source but critically engaged it. They also help supervisors see how your research stands in relation to existing scholarship.

Example

Sanders, E. P. (1977). Paul and Palestinian Judaism. Fortress Press.

Summary: Argues that Judaism of Paul’s time operated on a “covenantal nomism” model, not works-righteousness.
Evaluation: Groundbreaking in reorienting Pauline studies, though criticized for overgeneralizing Jewish sources.
Relevance: Provides context for Paul’s use of Abraham in Romans 4; forms part of the debate this project addresses.

Theological and Biblical Reflections

Preparing a dissertation proposal resonates with biblical calls to wisdom and stewardship. Proverbs 15:22 reminds us that “plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” A proposal functions as such a plan, refined by supervisors and peers. Luke 14:28 commends counting the cost before building a tower—doctoral students must count the cost of time, scope, and resources before launching the dissertation. Paul himself models careful planning of ministry journeys, anticipating obstacles and outcomes (Rom. 15:23–29). Similarly, students plan their scholarly journey through the dissertation.

Assignments

1. Mock Proposal Draft (4,000–5,000 words): Prepare a dissertation proposal including title, introduction, research question, literature review, methodology, chapter outline, and annotated bibliography (minimum 30 entries).

2. Annotated Bibliography Exercise: Select ten key works in your chosen area and annotate each with summary, evaluation, and relevance. Write a 1,500-word reflection on how the annotations clarified your project’s direction.

3. Peer Review Workshop: Exchange proposals with peers. Write a 2,000-word critical review of a colleague’s mock proposal, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and suggestions.

Conclusion

The mock dissertation proposal and bibliography exercise is a rehearsal for the most significant scholarly project of your doctoral journey. By practicing integration of skills—question design, literature engagement, methodological clarity, structural planning, and bibliographic management—you prepare not only for the dissertation but for a career of rigorous, faithful scholarship. This exercise is an act of stewardship, planning the tower of your dissertation with wisdom, humility, and foresight. It demonstrates readiness to cross the threshold into full dissertation research with confidence and clarity.

References

Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (2016). The craft of research (4th ed.). University of Chicago Press.

Hart, C. (2018). Doing a literature review: Releasing the research imagination (2nd ed.). SAGE.

Phillips, E. M., & Pugh, D. S. (2010). How to get a PhD: A handbook for students and their supervisors (5th ed.). Open University Press.

Sanders, E. P. (1977). Paul and Palestinian Judaism. Fortress Press.

SBL Press. (2014). The SBL handbook of style (2nd ed.). SBL Press.

Turabian, K. L. (2018). A manual for writers of research papers, theses, and dissertations (9th ed.). University of Chicago Press.

Wright, N. T. (2013). Paul and the faithfulness of God. Fortress Press.