As you progress through the course, it’s time to plan your second research paper and propose your chosen topic. This research paper focuses on literary analysis and should center around one of the poems from the required reading in Modules 5-6 or the play “Trifles” from Module 7.
The Research Paper Proposal: An Overview
A research paper proposal is a concise document, typically one page in length, assigned to students in preparation for a research paper assignment. This proposal serves several important purposes. It ensures that your intended paper aligns with the course requirements and provides you with an opportunity to gather valuable feedback from your instructor before diving into the research paper itself. Moreover, it prevents you from pursuing unfeasible or inappropriate topics.
Structure of Your Research Paper Proposal:
Your research paper proposal should be structured into three distinct paragraphs, addressing the following key aspects:
Topic and Thesis Statement:
In this paragraph, articulate your research paper’s chosen topic and the core thesis statement.
Answer the fundamental questions: “What will this research paper be about?” and “What is the central argument of this paper?”
Construct a concise yet comprehensive response, comprising at least three sentences. Ensure that your topic and thesis align with the specific instructions provided for this assignment. If any aspects are unclear, don’t hesitate to reach out to your instructor for clarification.
Source Plan and Listing:
In this section, elaborate on your strategy for acquiring credible sources that support your thesis.
Detail your plan for gathering information, including how you intend to utilize a minimum of three academic sources. These sources should be either peer-reviewed or obtained from reputable library databases.
Describe your approach to incorporating these sources into your paper, whether through paraphrasing, analysis, or direct quotations.
If you have already identified specific sources, provide a listing of them. This enables your instructor to assess their quality and offer guidance on acquiring suitable material.
Paper’s Contribution to Understanding:
Predict and outline how your research paper will contribute to a deeper understanding of the chosen topic.
Explain the significance and value that your work adds for readers.
This section should emphasize the importance of your research and the insights it will provide
