In this unit’s discussion post, you selected a research topic–a resource or initiative on campus designed to help students be successful. Using that same topic, your task is to write a proposal for your English 2311 white paper. Since I am assignment the project, your proposal will be written to me. Your proposal will be written in memo format using single-spaced block style and will include the following components:
Project Summary
Introduction
Plan of Work (includes both primary and secondary research methods)
Schedule
Experience/Qualifications
Conclusion
Works Cited following MLA citation format (minimum of three academic sources)
Complete instructions for the proposal are in the file attached to this assignment. I have also attached two sample student proposals. In this week’s lesson, I explain in detail these examples. I have also include a description of each section below (which is also in the third attachment to this assignment):
MEMORANDUM
TO: English 2311 Students
FROM: Lisa Schulze
DATE: 28 March 2021
SUBJECT: Proposals (Complete Draft) due Monday, April 4
The purpose of this memo is to explain the criteria for your research project proposal. The due date of your proposal is Monday, April 4, at midnight. Your proposals should be written in memo format, using single-spaced, blocked style. (This memo is a good example for you to follow.) It should be a minimum of 3 pages. The proposal will count as a major grade. Below is a list of the elements you need to include.
PROJECT SUMMARY
Project Summary: In this section, give me a summary of your memo—your project type and scope. You will include the following: a summary of the proposal (brief), the background of the problem (topic)/research question, how you will carry out your project, and what you will achieve. In other words, the summary functions like an advance organizer for your proposal.
INTRODUCTION
In this section, you should persuade me that your project is important and that it will be useful to a group of people. You may want to define the problem (your research questions), give some background, and explain some benefits that will come from your project. Your introduction should be well-developed.
PLAN OF WORK
Proposed Tasks: Explain how you are going to complete your project. What kind of sources and materials might you use? Who might you interview? Are there any existing documents similar to your proposed project that you might refer to? Do you need to do traditional library research to complete your project?
Schedule: This section should list tasks and dates by which you will have completed each task. Feel free to use the dates in the syllabus and the topics listed in the Table of Contents in D2L to assist you.
Experience/Qualifications: This section summarizes your qualifications to complete the project. Include in this section prior academic training, research experience that relates to the project you have chosen.
Budget: if applicable
CONCLUSION
Persuasively summarize, without being repetitive, the goals and benefits of your proposed project. Don’t get carried away here by trying to “oversell.” Simply summarize the strengths of your proposal.
WORKS CITED
The final section of your project is your works cited page. See lesson on secondary sources for assistance.
