ILS 2385: Topic Proposal for Semester Research Project
Choosing an appropriate subject is a critical step in the success of your 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 instructor and librarians as you begin any research assignment. You can make contact now with a research librarian at the J&W Library by clicking on the chat function in the upper-left corner of the library's web page or simply emailing one of them with your specific questions.
As explained in class a good way to do some preliminary topic exploration is to search websites and explore library databases, particularly Opposing Viewpoints.
Be sure you review the instructions for the research project linked above and carefully consider a possible topic before committing to one in this proposal. Choosing a topic that you can get excited about and choosing one that interests you is the most important step of the writing process.
This final assignment will allow you to explore a topic of your choosing from this list provided (see research project instructions) in greater detail by conducting FORMAL academic research.
Through this assignment, you will apply what you have learned in class while finding meaning in imagery and addressing the sociology of perception. Whatever topic you choose must address finding meaning in imagery and cannot be simply a sociological topic alone. Remember, if you choose a topic other than one from the list, you must get approval before proceeding to the annotated bibliography.
You may approach your topic in ONE Of three ways. You may choose an informative rhetorical strategy, an argumentative approach, or choose to develop the topic through critical analysis. Note, however, that certain prompts and questions are more suited to one approach than another; See more about the purpose of this essay in the project instructions.
Also, similar to the Critical Thinking essays you do this term, you are REQUIRED to note and identify at the beginning of your paper which TOPIC you have selected and which rhetorical STRATEGY you used when writing your paper:
Informative
Argument/Persuasion
Critical Analysis
Your proposal should be 5 detailed paragraphs that respond to the following five items (one idea per paragraph ):
PARAGRAPH 1. Provide some background and context to your argument (who, what, how, when , where, why, and how) and present your research question (the question you want to answer about your topic in your research). Present it in question form only. Next, explain which rhetorical strategy (informative, argument/persuasion, or critical analysis) you plan to use and why.
NOTE: Your one sentence answer to your research question will ultimately become your thesis/claim, but you don't want to write your answer to the question until you have completed and read all of your research.
PARAGRAPH 2: Explain why this topic is interesting and compelling to you. If it isn't, start over and choose another topic.
PARAGRAPH 3. As of this moment, what do you know about your topic?
PARAGRAPH 4. What more do you think you need to learn about your topic to have a well-developed and thorough research paper on the subject you have chosen?
PARAGRAPH 5: Explain where you plan to find your research material. Provide the names of specific databases and/or journals that you think may be helpful.
Be sure that your proposal is typed, double-spaced, & Times New Roman Font, 12 point.
The completed proposal must be submitted to ULEARN.
GO TO SUBMIT ESSAYS/ASSIGNMENT > ESSAYS > TOPIC PROPOSAL, SEMESTER RESEARCH PROJECT
This is how your proposal will be graded:
Total Points: 5/
The writer provides clear background and context for their subject (who, what, how, when , where, why, and how) and presents their research question in question form. The writer clearly explains which rhetorical strategy (informative, argument/persuasion, or critical analysis) they plan to use and why. (2 points)
The writer clearly and thoroughly explains why the topic interest them and why they find it compelling. (1 point)
The writer clearly explain what they already know about the topic.
(.5 point).
The writer specifically identifies what more they think they need to learn to thoroughly develop their topic. (.5 point)
The writer clearly explains where they plan to find information for their paper and identifies specific databases that they may find helpful (1 point).
Grading Scale:
A 5
B 4
C 3
D 2
F 0-1
