What is the Proposal?

     For the Project, the Proposal is our conscience, our governor, lover and road-map. It shows what our projects are, suggests the research necessary to complete the projects and keeps us on track.

     The proposal should fill 2-3 double-spaced pages (equivalent of, with references and/or endnotes).

     It explains the significance of the area or topic of research, then it describes a line of inquiry that can be completed in this term. Mainly, it provides a single-sentence thesis which pulls together the topic and the line of inquiry.

     Initial proposals contain no conclusion, since the research has not yet been done. It does point out a clear direction for research. It introduces your project, and so it is the first sustained communication between you and your reader. Obviously an important piece, it will often be revised as you research your project.

      After Proposals are written, we will each respond to our colleagues' proposals as presented in class (after the library meeting). Providing and getting feedback is an important, if not crucial, step in the process.

      When preparing to provide feedback, think about what would pull you into this project, might keep you interested and keep you clicking links further and deeper into the story. Try to help your classmate, and hope such help comes your way.

      For example, consider the proposal linked here. It is real, not a trumped-up example for classroom purposes. It has some problems as well as some positive areas. Read it closely to discuss in our next class, identifying both the areas that work, and what needs improvement. Compare it to the rubric. Compare is to proposal #2.