Research Essay Proposal

Assignment Requirements:

1. Title page

2. A relatively thorough introduction, focusing on topic, issue, and research question

3. A review of literature

4. An explanation of your research methods

5. A discussion of potential obstacles to your project

6. A working bibliography

Points: 50

Due Date: See course syllabus

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From The Bedford Researcher, fifth edition, page 57:

“A research proposal—sometimes called a prospectus—is a formal presentation of your plan for your research writing project. A proposal helps you pull together the planning you’ve done on your project, identify areas where you need additional planning, and assess the progress you’ve made so far.

A proposal, in other words, is your evidence that you have a plan for how you’re going to complete a long project for a particular purpose—this class.

All of the items that comprise a research proposal are thoroughly explained in the document on the course website except the fifth item. When considering obstacles focus especially on research obstacles rather than life obstacles, though those can certainly be mentioned. You might discuss the challenges in locating sources, reading or interpreting sources, etc. Also, be sure to thoroughly explain why something is an obstacle.

Please see the sample research proposal posted on the course website for more guidance.

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Assessment Criteria:

In order to earn an “A” you must:

Create a research proposal with each of the six required sections

Create proper APA references for your working bibliography

Provide a clear path forward that lets me know your plan for completing the final persuasive research essay

Produce a document with few to no grammatical and punctuation errors

Demonstrate a strong familiarity with your subject and several texts relevant to your subject

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Learning Outcomes Met:

Working with Ideas/Planning Phases:

• Create a research project schedule (week by week timeline), identifying start and end dates for researching, outlining, drafting, and editing/revising phases and tasks within each phase to help manage the project.

Researching Phase:

• Identify scholarly articles and journals. Know the difference between primary and secondary sources, and scholarly journals and magazines or other non-academic sources.

• Use library databases and services to obtain sources to complete the project.

• Assess sources for usability and credibility.

Drafting and Editing/Revising Phases:

• Answer a research question with a clear thesis, well supported argument, and organization by using models of argument and rhetorical strategies.