I read the article "Building a Big, Freaky Back" by Matt Kroczaleski the other day. As part of the article a deadlift program was given that is beutiful in its simplicity.
The program was as follows:
Week one: Work up to one heavy set of 5 reps in 4-5 sets.
Week two: Work up to one heavy set of 3 reps in 4-5 sets
Week three: Work up to a heavy single in 4-5 sets.
Week four: No deadlifting.
Repeat