Organizational Characteristics of Dissertation Introductions in Composition and TESOL

Abstract

Genre theory indicates differences of specific genres across disciplines, appropriate to the context and social climate of that discipline. This study focused on the organizational characteristics of dissertation introductions in the fields of composition and TESOL. Using Swales’ (1990) move analysis, twenty dissertations (ten of each discipline) were analyzed for organizational components. The results show that the dissertation introductions in the field of composition and TESOL do not typically follow Swales’ moves, but rather, introductions in composition have a tendency to emphasize and return to reviewing previous research, while TESOL introductions seem not to follow any standard organizational pattern. The results indicate a need for additional doctoral student training in dissertation writing and dissertation advisor awareness of such writing needs.