Senior Seminars
Research Prospectus Assignment
(Rob LaFleur, based upon assignments by
Professors Ellen Joyce and Gail Terry)
Professors Ellen Joyce and Gail Terry)
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| [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. Although your final project centers around your evaluation of the academic book that you have chosen, it is still a research project (as we have discussed in class). Keep that in mind while you prepare this prospectus. You are not "just" writing about a book you have chosen. You are, instead (as in all review essays) writing about your own research in the context of the book you are reviewing.
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.
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| [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.
The conclusion to your prospectus should summarize your preliminary conclusions. You might also discuss whether or not you expect these to change significantly on the basis of the work remaining to be done.
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| [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.
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.
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.
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