The dissertation is a major scholastic project that students undertake at the end of their degree program and is a major stepping stone in their professional development. Using critical analysis skills to examine a subject of their choosing, the writer presents original research demonstrating their skill in using the scholarly method to investigate and discuss their topic. A dissertation is an academic undertaking that marks the student’s transition to scholar. A list of dissertations produced by Hispanic Studies students can be found in the OAKTrust Digital Repository.