Imp: please try to use online sources not books

For this paper, you have some flexibility on your topic. Pick a topic that interests you from one of these broad directions:

• A further exploration of a class-related topic from the Catholic, Protestant, or Christian feminist perspectives, or one covered by all three (or an exploration of a prominent theologian’s perspective on that topic)
• A detailed comparison of typical Catholic and Protestant views on a class-related topic
• An analysis of some controversial moral issue of interest to you from one or more of our three perspectives

Whatever direction your paper takes, it should make an argument of your own, not just outline the views of others.

Your paper should demonstrate a thorough understanding of your chosen topic and its relevance, present a logical and well-developed argument, and be well-researched and well-written. These are the criteria on which your paper will be graded. Your paper should contain your own claim and the reasons and evidence supporting it, as well as at least one counter-argument and your response to it. The exact organization of your paper will depend on the topic; consult with the instructor for advice. You should show that you understand your issue, relevant perspectives on that issue, and the implications of the conclusions you draw on your topic. You should also demonstrate the elements of good writing, such as an introduction, a thesis statement, topic sentences, a logical order of paragraphs, and good spelling and grammar.

Part 1

            A “prospectus” is a plan or outline for a major project.  Its purpose is to help you organize your work on that project and to let others know what you are planning to accomplish with that project.  This First Paper Prospectus will help you choose your topic and plan your research, and then get feedback from me so that it will be much easier for you to write your paper later on. This prospectus will be worth ten points toward your final paper grade. To complete the prospectus, type your responses beneath the following questions, then submit your prospectus in the appropriate place on the class web site.

1. What is the topic of your paper? Be as specific as possible. (Remember, your topic should fit into one of the three categories listed on the Research Paper information sheet.)

2. In one complete sentence, explain why you believe this topic would have relevance for others besides yourself.

3. What sources (books, articles, reputable web sites, etc.) will you use for your paper? Please list sources you have found in the library catalog, article databases, etc.

Part 2

1. In a complete sentence, what is the thesis, or the claim, for your paper? (Remember, your claim should be a specific, supportable statement of your personal point of view on the topic that is relatively comprehensive of what will be covered in the paper.)

2. What are three reasons or main points you would give to support your claim in #1? (You might have more than three main points in your paper, this is just to make sure you are on the right track.)

a.

b.

c.

3. What is one counter-argument, or alternative point of view, that you think it would be important to include in your paper? Why might someone raise this objection to your claim? (Note: For many topics, it might make sense to explain the counter-argument before going into detail on your own position; for example, if your primary purpose is to argue against a certain point of view, it would make sense to explain that point of view in some detail, and then devote the rest of the paper to your arguments against it.)

4. How would you go about showing that your claim is more reasonable than the counter-argument proposed in #3?

Part 3 (November 23)

Paper due