Writing Project 1: Research Proposal

Overview: For this first writing project you will write a proposal for a research project. The project you propose
will be researched (in Writing Project 2), written as a persuasive essay (in Writing Project 3), and built into
your Writers Website. Essentially, this assignment asks you to

1. define a research question

2. provide a brief review of historical and contemporary perspectives on the question
3. describe how you will research the proposed question and its related issues
4. demonstrate why addressing this question is worth your reader's attention

Assignment: In Writing Project 1 your task is to discover an issue you are curious about and write a proposal
that (1) illustrates pre-existing knowledge about the issue, (2) outlines how you will research your issue, and
(3) demonstrates the significance of the issue youve chosen.

You should think of your proposal as an introduction: it identifies a gap in a current conversation, one that
you will research (Writing Project 2) and engage (Writing Project 3). Therefore the primary rhetorical mode of
this project is to inform the reader about an issues existence and its background. You will not engage the
issues debate with your own argument and claims until WP3. The only persuasive element of WP1 is
convincing the audience that the issue is worthy of their attention.

The issue you select should involve differing points of view and conflicting claims. However, do not select an
issue simply because it is controversial. Instead, you should select an issue you are curious about and will
enjoy researching and writing.

Overused Topics: For this project, challenge yourself. Delve into about a topic you don't know much about.
Unless you (1) have more than a causal connection to a topic and (2) have obtained instructor permission, do
not engage the following topics, as they regularly do not promote innovative thought or writing:

Abortion, capital punishment, decriminalization of drugs, euthanasia, global warming,

religious beliefs, stem cell research, performance enhancing drugs, greek life, gun control,
animal rights, foreign policy, student athletics.

Requirements: Your proposal must be at least 1000 words in length, attend to the specific requirements of
the assignment, and adhere to APA formatting standards

Project Submission: Much of your process work for this project will be posted to Google Classroom and/or
completed in class. Specific details about the process work of WP1 (e.g. readings, etc.) can be found in the
learning modules on BlackBoard. Your final project will be submitted in two ways, (1) as an APA formatted
document to the WP1 submission drop box on BB, and (2) as a webpage on the Writers Website that you
created in ENG 101 or at the beginning of ENG 102.
Sample Outline

Introduce your topic.

Create a bridge that connects your reader and intended audience to the topic.
Introduce the topic and related issues that will be addressed.
State the purpose of your research.
Detail the background and history of your issue
Explain background information necessary to understand the proposed research and its
significance within current conversations about your issue. This section should include a critical
evaluation of existing knowledge and should identify forward progress that the project is
intended to provide.
Review prominent perspectives on your issue.
Examine 3 contemporary perspectives and explain how these perspectives suggest a conflict,
controversy, or problem that warrants a response or further research.
Describe how you will research your topic.
State what your inquiry will address. Include a bullet-pointed list of 3-5 research questions you
want to investigate. Keep in mind that a good research question is one that is actually
researchable, and while close-ended questions (yes/no; this/that) may be beneficial within the
paper, open-ended questions will results in more developed inquiry.
Outline and your research method. Where will you conduct your research? Which databases or
sources might you consult? What kinds of search terms or keywords might you use?
Conclude with a demonstration of the significance of the issue and your research
Discuss the overall significance of the topic.
Address the questions: Why now? and So what? and What is ultimately at stake?
Discuss how your research will move the current conversation about your issue in new
directions.