Rough Theory

Student 1: “I really want to do a dissertation, but I have no idea what to do one on!”

Student 2: “Oh, you can do a dissertation on anything – just interview twelve people and do a qualitative something-or-other on their… I don’t know…”

Student 3: “Dust. Do a dissertation on dust.”

Student 1: “Dust?”

Student 3: “Yes: The History of Dust.”

Student 1: “The History of Dust?”

Student 3: “Oh, well, you know, it might need to be A History of Dust…”