This project proposal outlines developing a research question and plan to research a topic for a paper. Students are asked to explain why they chose their topic and what they hope to learn. They also need to describe the steps they will take to present new, relevant information. Lastly, they should include their research question. The document provides guidance to focus on learning the history of their topic without speculation and to allow research to lead their understanding and developing perspective.

1. Project Proposal:
Researching the Future
This week in class we’re focusing on preparing for our research paper by developing a research
question that will help us to find sources that lead us to useful information about our project. In
this brief assignment (1 page, double-spaced), you will lay out your reasons for researching
your topic—why are you studying the specific topic; what do you hope to learn in your
research; what steps do you plan on taking in order to reach the goal of presenting new and
relevant information about this topic?
Lastly, on a separate line, write out your research question.
Keep these few things in mind as we head to the library next week (2/6):
 At this point in the assignment, we should only be focused on learning about
the history of your object/field/area of interest.
 Do not worry about looking for trends or speculating about the future yet.
We’re looking to build a reliable, convincing baseline history about your
topic.
 In other words, treat this assignment (Annotated Bibliography) as a standard
research assignment for now.
 Try not to have a pre-formed opinion or position about your topic. Allow
your research to lead the way, and follow where your research goes.
 After you’ve done the research and fully digested the information from as
many angles as possible, then begin to develop a full picture of what the
research and your intuition is telling you about your topic.
Work should be written in standard, edited English using MLA format for citation (if any).
Make sure you proofread your final draft—and check once more that you have used correct
citation in your response and well as included a Works Cited page (if needed). (50pts.)