This course is a prerequisite for the programme’s capstone experience (ARTH7999) and focuses on training students in the fundamentals of critical thinking, scholarly writing, and research methods. The course is thus designed to thoroughly prepare students for the task of writing their M.A. dissertation, a substantial research essay (10,000 words) that analyzes a specific topic in depth and which must be written and formatted in accordance with professional standards in the field of art history, including the proper use of citations and a bibliography.