Essay, Prospectus Project
Instructions
As you know, one of the requirements in a graduate program is to write a thesis. At this stage of your graduate experience, the thesis might seem like a tiny speck in the sky. But one day it will loom large. If you choose the thesis option, then one of the first steps you take would be crafting a Thesis Research Prospectus.
A Prospectus should include a Summary and Statement of the Research Problem, Argument, or Inquiry.
A prospectus (sometimes referred to as an Abstract in other programs) should contain a concise description of:
a) The question or topic to be examined in the research;
b) The topic’s relevance, including its relevance/importance to the field of study in your graduate degree program, related disciplinary field, and any other logical audiences;
c) The topic’s new, original or innovative approach/ inquiry to be used in the research.
If any of this sounds vaguely familiar, then it should. It consists of the same Topic + Question + Significance (or T + Q + S) three-step rubric described in book “The Craft Of Research” by Wayne C. Booth, 3rd Ed
For the purposes of this assignment:
1) Choose one of those rubrics that you have begun researching in the library and exploring in online databases for scholarly literature, journal articles, and other information.
Be sure to integrate into your statement index or key words or names of individuals or works related to your topic, which allows for quick retrieval by other researchers and can be used to find your thesis when searching a library’s database.
The writing style of your statement should be clear and concise, and be sure to check your spelling and grammar, but do not fret too much at this point about paragraphing, sentence structure, or punctuation.
For assistance in writing your Prospectus, feel free to consult the resources (especially the links) located in the module "The Importance of Writing" under Content.
See also Abstracts, pp. 211-12, in your book The Craft of Research.
RUBRIC
Rubric Name: Essay Grading Rubric
Criteria Exemplary
Coverage of Subject
Be sure that your essay directly addresses the questions. Fully answer the questions without side issues or repetition. Make a significant effort to fully cover and reiterate the questions or topic of the essay in the conclusion.
Analysis
The focus on the questions should be maintained throughout the essay. Points and/or subtopics should be clearly conceived, presented and discussed. Be sure to present your own view as well as the view of the sources.
Content
The information you present to substantiate points and topics ought to be accurate and clearly presented. The facts and the interpretation of those facts that you offer in the essay should contribute evidence to the general arguments you present.
Organization and Form
Your essay should be composed in a clear and logical manner. Your points should be presented in a logical sequence which enhances your general argument. Make certain that your essay has an introductory statement, a body of evidence, and a conclusion.
Writing & Mechanics
The writing style of your essay should be clear and concise. Your essay should be written in proper English and addressed the prospective audience of educated lay people. Be sure that each paragraph leads logically into the other and that all terms, events, people and other items are adequately defined. Be certain that all information is properly documented. Make sure that you follow the fundamentals of paragraphing, sentence structure, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Read your essay carefully to proofread for mechanics, organization, continuity, and transition.