LITR 5831 World / Multicultural Literature
 Colonial-Postcolonial

 

Research Proposal & Options

For examples of research proposals,
see part 3 of 2013 midterms
(or earlier semesters' midterms
via Model Assignments)


Model Assignments
for previous projects and posts:

research posts, essays, and journals 2013

research posts 2011; research essays & journals 2011

research posts 2009; research essays & journals 2009

research posts 2008

research projects 2001

 

Research proposal due with midterm between 23 September-1 October (discuss with instructor any time)

Your Research Project is provisional and expected to evolve--as long as time permits, you may change your plan by communicating with instructor, but if the evolution of the topic is natural and unsurprising, proceed.

Research proposal length: 2-3 paragraphs, or incorporate into midterm essay(s)

Essential contents of proposal:

1. Indicate choice between two or three research options—either

  • 2 research posts (each 4+ paragraphs & Works Cited w/ 4+ sources) due 13-16 October, 17-20 November

OR

2. Explain choice: extensions of previous interests or knowledge, learning possibilities, reasons for curiosity, applications.

2a. Impressive if you refer to previous Model Assignments that appeared to you as models.

3. Indicate possible topics or contents of Research Posts or Project + reasons for interest, previous knowledge, possible texts, authors, themes, cultural or historical issues

Notes:

Your Research Project is provisional--as long as time permits, change your plan by communicating with instructor

You have considerable freedom to develop your research according to your own needs or interests. However, most students entering this course have few preconceptions, topics, or ideas ready.

If you start with a "research post," you could develop that post into a research project, either essay or journal.

Simple advice for topics:

  • Review syllabus for texts, parts of world, objectives (themes and terms)

  • Review Model Assignments for previous projects and posts:

See Model Assignments for examples of previous student topics. No problem if you repeat an earlier topic, and welcome to use previous student work as a research source.

research posts, essays, and journals 2013

research posts 2011; research essays & journals 2011

research posts 2009; research projects 2009

research posts 2008

research projects 2001

Research Plan Feedback

No grade for your Research Plan, though lack of effort or interest may be noted.

With your midterm I'll return some brief feedback. I almost never say "no" to a plan or proposal, but I may have suggestions for development.

If you choose Research Posts, the first is due 13-16 October, the second 17-20 November.

If you choose a Research Project, it is due 17-20 November.

Grade and response to Posts or Project may arrive with "Final Grade Report" following final exam.

Helpful Links:

Research Plan

Research Posts

Research Project
(term paper or research journal)

Research Topics