Academic Research Paper Topic Proposal
The topic proposal is your written commitment to me to a specific focus of research this term.
Choosing an appropriate subject is a critical step in the success of your research project. It can be also one of the more difficult steps. So plan to allot a few days to consider ideas, investigate availability of relevant materials, and get feedback from instructors and librarians as you begin any research assignment. (You can make contact now with a research librarian at the JWU Library)
Be sure you review the instructions for Academic Research Paper that we have discussed in class to ensure your understanding of the assignment and what you are asked to do.
After you have explored some databases, browsed journal articles, and browsed through some full-text books, it is time to commit to the topic that you plan to work with for your research project.
Keep in mind that you may not use sources from the World Wide Web in your paper.
Your proposal for the Academic Research Paper should be 300-450 words long and respond to the following four items (roughly a paragraph or so for each item):
Paragraph 1: Introduce your topic (provide background), and then present it in question form (this is your tentative research question). Explain how you developed this question from exploration of Opposing Viewpoints and other databases.
NOTE: Your research question will be initially formed based on the knowledge you possess before you formally begin the project. It will, however, change and evolve as you read through your research material.
Paragraph 2: Explain why the topic is interesting/compelling to you.
Paragraph 3: Describe what you already know about the topic.
Paragraph 4: Describe what more you need to learn
Paragraph 5: Explain where you plan to find your information.
Be sure that your proposal is typed, double-spaced, & Times New Roman Font, 12 point.
The completed proposal must be submitted to Blackboard by the due date listed on the course schedule.
