Nursing
Global Search for Justice: Dismantling Racism
Instructor: Viv Ross
Research Proposal and Thesis Statement
Research Proposal and Thesis Statement Overview
The purpose of the research proposal is to 1) introduce the research topic, 2) describe the population and country to be researched, and 3) develop a thesis statement; students will think critically about how the topic is related to social justice, catholic social teachings, feminism, oppression, systemic racism, and 4) list at two to three preliminary resources. The proposal is intended to help students begin considering their research topic and organizing their paper.
The final Research Paper in this course will be an argumentative paper; students will make a claim about their topic and justify this claim with specific evidence. The claim can be an opinion, an evaluation, or an interpretation. The goal of the paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.
The following is a guideline for planning and organizing your proposal; review the template and the rubric below to verify that aspects of the assignment are covered
• Refer to the research proposal format to use as a framework for setting up content for the proposal. Students should include all information that is outlined.
• Proposals are typically a “high overview” of a research plan, not a detailed paper; therefore, it should be brief and not to exceed two pages for the proposal content and one reference page (total of three pages). You may also include a title page, but this is not necessary at this time.
• It is not expected that students are experts at this point; however, they should have conducted some preliminary research and have some familiarity with the topic.
• Support propositions by referencing two-three sources. It is acceptable at this point to make some general assumptions and express opinions.
• Word-process the paper, check for spelling and grammar issues, and format everything using APA guidelines.
Research Proposal and Thesis Statement Format
Name
Date
• Overview of Research Topic
o In several sentences, provide a brief overview of the topic and the country being
studied. Include a thesis statement. For information about writing a thesis statement,
review pages 30-35 in the Bedford Handbook. Further information on how to formulate
a thesis statement can be found at the Purdue Online Writing Lab
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/545/01/.
• Background Information
o In several sentences, explain why the topic is a women’s health issue and a social justice
issue. Include how the culture of the country causes or contributes to the issue. Cite
two-three references from the Catherine Core Reader, e.g., Heitzeg’s justice article,
Connor’s Catholic social teaching article, Young’s oppression article, or other supporting
evidence. Personal opinion is acceptable and expected.
• Opposing Viewpoints
o In several sentences, students should state their viewpoint on the issue as well as what
they perceive to be opposing viewpoints.
• Proposed Solution
o List one-two actions already being taken by the government, public, or the affected
community related to the topic. List one-two actions that should be taken.
• References (APA citation format)
Research Proposal and Thesis Statement Grading Rubric
Name:
Content Points
1. Overview of Research Topic
• Brief overview of topic clearly stated.
• Country and/or population identified.
• Includes thesis statement.
__/5
2. Background Information
• States why issue is a social justice issue
• States how topic is related to women’s health
• Provide explanation of impact of culture
• Background information supported by 2-3 references
__/10
3. Opposing Viewpoints
• Clearly states what personal viewpoint is
• States what opposing viewpoints to the issue may be.
__/5
4. Proposed Solution
• Identifies 1-2 actions already being taken
• Identifies 1-2 actions that could/should be taken.
__/3
5. References/Writing
• References accurately cited using APA (in-text and reference list).
• Demonstrates appropriate sentence structure, spelling, and grammar.
__/2
Total Points __/25