Research Prospectus Assignment—Spring 2021

Research Prospectus Assignment

(Robert LaFleur, based upon assignments by
Professors Ellen Joyce and Gail Terry)

[a] Research RF

What is a Prospectus?

A prospectus is a “road map” to your individual project for this course. It explains the specific, focused subject of your project and it also articulates the larger significance of this particular study. Reread the previous sentence—it emphasizes both specificity and larger implications.

For example, an essay analyzing the growth of the Durkheimian Année sociologique school would not only explore the work of Durkheim and his followers, but also the larger issue of where Durkheimian sociology fit in a larger academic world (and the growing field of sociology). Even though you often hear professors speak of "narrowing" your topic, this is a reminder that you must always think about the larger implications of your project.

A prospectus summarizes the work that you have already done on your project and outlines what you still intend to do. The prospectus for your project should be accompanied by an annotated bibliography. Together, your prospectus and bibliography will serve as a progress report of what you have accomplished and clarify (for you and for all of us) what remains to be done. 

[b] Contemplation RF

How should I Organize my Prospectus?

Your prospectus should be about three pages long (double-spaced).  Give the title for your project and your name.  The first paragraph should clearly state the subject of your research (small issue) and explain its larger significance (large issue).

The body of your prospectus should explain how you will go about addressing your intended subject.  What sources are you using? What kinds of sources are they? Which are primary and which are secondary (or tertiary)? What kind of information do you hope to glean from them?   

Moreover, how much of the work have you completed and how much remains to be done? In this case, obviously, you have yet to write the paper, but you should be able to outline, in prose, the major elements of your argument by the time you finish your prospectus, and this is the reason that it is due six weeks or more before your paper is due (in a regular semester...and at the end of the second week in a modular structure).

The conclusion to your prospectus should summarize your preliminary conclusions.  Think deeply about the implications of your work. What are you accomplishing? What are you teaching your readers? You might also discuss whether or not you expect these to change significantly on the basis of the work remaining to be done.

[c] Reflection RF

 

The Annotated Bibliography

Your bibliography should be on a separate page (or two), and attached to the end of your prospectus. Think of it as "Part Two" of your complete document. Bibliographical citations should follow the format of the Chicago Manual of Style (as we study in our classes).  

A brief annotation (2-4 sentences) should follow each citation.  In it, explain what the item is (what kind of source is it? What perspective does it take on your topic? How, specifically, does it contribute to our knowledge of the subject?) and how you will be using it? 

Entries should be single spaced with a double space between each entry.  

Try to be concise and to avoid being too repetitious in your entries.