The assignment must be typed, with your name and date in the upper left-hand corner, double-spaced, in a 12-point font. You will submit it through Canvas.First, some background on what we are building toward:
For your final researched argument, you will write a sophisticated, polished research argument that draws upon logical reasoning and credible evidence. You will employ credible evidence with a reasonable balance of books, scholarly journal articles, Internet, audio/visual media, and field research if needed (approximately 8-10 sources). Your proposal will suggest and outline your final researched argument (as you understand it at this moment in time). Here are the directions for the rough draft. The Craft of Research readings (specifically chapters 3 & 4) suggested developing a sentence that followed the rubric of “I am studying _____________ because I want to find out what/why/how ____________ in order to help my reader understand _____________.”
Using that as a prompt, I would first like you to freewrite for 7-10 minutes on the topic. The rules of freewriting: Try to stay on topic, but your mind may wander. That is perfectly all right. The most important thing is to “just keep writing.” I will not be collecting the freewrite—that is just for you. Based on what comes up in the freewrite, and returning to the original prompt as needed, write a proposal that includes the following:
- Your research problem and what makes it controversial (please try to phrase this in your own voice);
- Whether the research problem is conceptual or practical, and why;
- Your suggested audience; and
- The “takeaway message” you most want your audience to get from your final paper—why is the argument an important one to make?
- This draft can be rough. If you turn it in and take some time on each of the above points, you will receive full credit. The final draft of proposals must be less than 250 words. Therefore, it makes sense for your rough draft to be shorter than that!
- Drafts should be word-processed and saved as a .doc or .pdf.
- Please use a 12-point, readable font.
- I will be giving you feedback on your proposal draft so that you can construct an even better draft. I will be scheduling either video conferences or in-person meetings with each of you to talk through the proposal. These meetings are not optional, and you will be receiving points for them.
- Please contact me with any questions. The more specific the question, the better the answer I can provide.