Topic proposal

First Step Topic Proposal.html

The first step is to propose a topic in a one page proposal in which you outline what you will talk about, how it is relevant to the work, and what your basic premise for the paper will be.

Remember this is a literature class so do not (for example) write a paper telling all about Ben Franklin's scientific discoveries, his inventions, or his diplomacy. He is in this course because of what he wrote so talk about that! 

Obviously, you will need to do some preliminary research and a lot of thinking and reading to come up with your thesis statement. 

Topic Proposal Guidelines

• Find a workable, feasible research topic
• Develop a strategy for dealing with it
• Convey your ideas for your paper in a concise manner

In a proposal of one page discuss the following questions in paragraph form: 

• What is your main argument or working thesis?
• Why is this an important topic? What does it mean to you?
• What are some strategies and ideas you plan to use to argue your topic?

o How will these main ideas support your topic?

• Where will you look for sources?

Helpful Hints: 

• Think through whether or not you can stretch your topic into a 4-6 page or 1500 word paper with at least 4-6 secondary sources.
• Do not make your topic too broad. For instance, you cannot realistically discuss the theology of Paradise Lost in a 4-6 page paper without doing the work and the author an injustice of epic proportions. (That reference to Paradise Lost is just an example. It is not part of American Literature I!)
• Your proposal should read as an advertisement of the paper that you want to write.

Proposal Requirements: 

• Be one page or 300 words in length
• Answer the questions fully and thoughtfully in readable prose
• Have at least three supporting ideas for your argument with each discussed briefly
• Use MLA format, 12 point Times New Roman font. 
• Use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.