LITR 4232 American Renaissance syllabus Research Project Proposal

Research proposal: Write at least two paragraphs containing the following information:

• Indicate your option—Option 1 (essay) or Option 2 (journal)

• (If struggling to choose between the two options, explain situation.

• If struggling to choose between 2 or more subjects, explain and explore situation.
  
  

• If Option 1 (research essay), list primary text(s) for study. Explain source or reason for your interest, why topic is significant, and what you hope to learn through your research. Describe any previous reading or research you have already done and how useful it has been. You may use earlier research as reference points in project
  

• If Option 2 (research journal), mention possible topics for categories listed in Option 2 (journal) requirements.
  

• For either option, conclude by asking the instructor at least one question about your topic, possible sources for research, or the writing of your research project.
  

• If you want to discuss options or topics before submitting a proposal, confer, phone, or email.

Response to Research Proposal

• The instructor emails a brief reaction to proposal with midterm notes.
  

• No letter grade for proposal, only “yes” or instructions. Students don't lose credit for problems in reaching a topic as long as they work to resolve.
  

• The only way to get into trouble on proposal is by simply not offering much to work with, especially after prompts from instructor.
  

• Example of a really bad proposal: one sentence starting with “I’m thinking about” and ending with “doing something about Poe,” then asking, “What do you think?” A bad grade won’t be recorded, but the student has dug a hole. Notes regarding proposal may appear on the Final Grade Report.
  

• Welcome to continue going back and forth with instructor until satisfied with direction.

Examples of previous proposals from Model Assignments

2006 proposals

2004 proposals