Extending notions of scholarship, by showcasing a range of doctoral dissertations, unconventional and otherwise.
Find inspiration
What is an unconventional dissertation? What is a conventional dissertation, for that matter? With over 50 dissertations in our database (and more being added every month the moment our volunteer has time), you can be certain you’ll find a range of responses to these questions and others like them.
Using research interviews to refine musical performance
Graham’s dissertation consists of a written component and a lecture-recital. Learn more about how Graham drew on the practice of conducting research interviews to support Graham’s performance and arguments for the pedagogical potential of learning Brian Ferneyhough’s ‘Bone Alphabet’ (1992).
Supporting the reproductive sovereignty of Indigenous women and Two-spirited peoples
McKenzie introduces their dissertation as but one of the outcomes associated with a collaborative action-oriented study that sought to centre Indigenous women’s and Two-spirit persons’ experiences with sexual and reproductive injustices in Canada, as well as their right to self-determination and justice. McKenzie’s dissertation includes a policy brief that was submitted to Canadian health authority representatives at the municipal, provincial, and federal level.
Following familiar dissertation organizational structures using an entirely graphic form
Sousanis makes use of comics to argue for the value of this form as both a method of inquiry, pedagogical tool, and way of knowing. Learn more about this and the odd request Sousanis received to include a list of figures.
Meeting institutional requirements and sacrificing form
Inspired by ethnographic work that illustrates theory, ideas, data, and narratives via multiple modalities, Schell’s dissertation taps into a rich tradition of ethnomusicology. Originally a web-based dissertation, learn more about how Schell video, photos, writing, and audio to dig into broader questions about scholarly communication, and one technique Schell used to draw attention to the problem with assuming a document editor is the only platform a dissertator could ever need.
Orchestrating voices within and across different forms
Gan’s dissertation utilizes a mix of audio, visual, and textual materials—or “voices” as Gan refers to them. Gan brings readers along as he travels across Moscow, Paris, Berlin, and New York to talk with Russian migrants about moving to a new country. In addition to sharing these conversations in the written component of his dissertation, Gan also used them as the basis for the creation of an interactive video and sound installation that was presented in three different venues. Learn more about how Gan weaves these distinct components together.
Creating a 3D model of a polypeptide chain to illustrate advancements in bio-medical technology
Chakraborty created the world’s first physical and scalable 3D models of the polypeptide chain (“Peppytide”). Chakraborty’s dissertation focuses on establishing the rationale, accuracy, and functionality of the model, and includes a chapter on the use of Peppytide in formal and informal learning contexts, as well as the blueprints for the model. Learn more about this computer science dissertation…and maybe even print your very own 3D model.
Contribute to the project
Would you like to submit a case for consideration, or help us to continue work on this project?
Submit a case for consideration
Have you…
- Encountered a dissertation that you wish to share?
- Written, supervised, or examined an unconventional dissertation that you think others need to see?
Learn more about our criteria for inclusion and how to submit a recommendation here.
Join our team of volunteers
We encourage you to contact us if any of the following points resonate with you:
- Do you have revisions you’d like to recommend?
- Would you like to add more information, whether to your own dissertation entry or to another?
- Are you interested in pursuing research related to unconventional dissertations?
- Are you working on an unconventional dissertation and looking for like-minded peers?
Because the world needs a plurality of alternatives in the making.
Dr. Brittany Amell
Creator & Principal
WritingOtherwise.ca
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