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SP 2003
English 101 Paper Proposal/Workshop Assignment
Note: I've made some
changes here to try to sort out some of the confusion concerning this
assignment. Remember, a paper proposal is not your research paper, it's a
statement of intent. The proposal is your declaration of your plan for your
final research project (the project that will be due at the end of the
semester).
Preparation:
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IN WRITING, answer questions in section 43a.1
of SMH |
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Develop an explicit thesis [43a.2]† |
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Test your thesis according to guidelines on
43a.3 |
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Draft an informal outline of your essay [see
example in 43b.2] |
The proposal should be developed according to the classical system of
organization (see 5j.1):
 | Introduction [includes thesis] |
| Background [both background of topic and, if you wish, your interest in
the topic] |
| Lines of argument [the point of view that you are supporting and WHY] |
| Consideration of alternative arguments [presentation of differing views
and addressing advantages/disadvantages; establishes why your POV is better or
best] |
| Conclusion [may summarize; should elaborate on IMPLICATION of thesis; must
clarify your "call to action"] |
Remember, this is a proposal. You are explaining what you intend to write
about in a longer, more in-depth essay. This proposal should help you in (at
least) two ways: first, the act of writing the proposal will help you evaluate
the worth/workability of your topic; second, you should be able to integrate
your proposal into the introductory material of your research paper.
Some online examples:
Science Fiction Film Class-- Paper Proposal Assignment (Elisa Kay Sparks,
Clemson University)
Thesis Proposal
(International Relations): Boston University
Social Sciences Proposal (McMaster University)
English 103 Paper Proposals (Daniel Kies, College of DuPage)
English 2-3 Proposal Assignment (Professor Gocsik, Dartmouth)
Following is the proposed grading rubric for the proposal.
| Points |
Earned |
Description |
| 20 |
|
Introduction:
Generates interest as to topic, develops purpose of essay. Thesis sets
topic, defines major points of argument, and sets order of essay |
| 15 |
|
Background [both
background of topic and, if you wish, your interest in the topic] |
| 30 |
|
Lines of argument
[the point of view that you are supporting and WHY/main points] |
| 20 |
|
Consideration of
alternative arguments [presentation of differing views and addressing
advantages/disadvantages; establishes why your POV is better or best] |
| 10 |
|
Conclusion [may
summarize; should elaborate on IMPLICATION of thesis; must clarify your
"call to action"] |
| 5 |
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MLA (if you chose
to use other texts to develop and/or support your proposal) and Grammar |
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