Research Project Proposal
Project description
In the first assignment sequence of this class, we practiced reading and writing rhetorically, developing complex claims, employing appropriate genre conventions, and reading visual texts. We talked extensively about the role of intertextuality and joining the conversation in academic writing. You also took the time to see a live performance in your community. Now that you have practiced the skills, youre ready for the second assignment sequence: an extended research project in which you argue a complex claim, employ your own research to situate yourself in a conversation, and relate your argument to the performance you attended. This is your opportunity to synthesize your practice of the outcomes with your reading skills and your engagement with live performance. Its also your opportunity to work in a genre of your choice.
Your Task:
Before you can begin researching and developing a claim through a line of inquiry, youll have to write a proposal. Youll find that, in many fields, you must first provide a clear plan of the research you would like to conduct before receiving approval or the funding needed. For this assignment, write a 2-3 page proposal in which you describe the genre and mode youll be working in, outline your projects line of inquiry, and persuade a committee to support your research project. Keep in mind, the goal of the proposal is to persuasively argue that your topic is worth pursuing, will lead to valuable research, and is suited for the genre youve chosen.
In order to write a convincing proposal, you should include a description of your line of inquiry, an explanation as to how your line of inquiry relates to the performance you attended, and a plan for the research you will do in order to develop your work. Also, identify the genre of writing youll be working in and argue for the effectiveness of that choice.
Getting Started:
Since youve already seen a performance and have begun to think critically about performance and viewership, and since youre familiar with the ideas of John Berger, Stanley Fish, and Michel Foucault, you should have some idea about the direction you would like to go. Think about the topics weve discussed in class: audience, context, and power, to name a few. Once youve decided what interests you, ask yourself these questions to get started:
What was most engaging about the performance I attended?
How can I relate that performance to some of the ideas covered in the readings?
What would I like to research when it comes to questions of performance and representation?
Why does this research matter?
Will I be able to adequately display my critical reading and writing skills with my chosen topic?
What genre will be best suited for what I would like to write about?
Requirements:
2-3 pages in length
12-point Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins
A Successful Paper will:
Clearly articulate a stakes-driven line of inquiry
Persuasively argue on behalf of your line of inquiry
Connect the line of inquiry with the performance you attended
Set forth a concrete, detailed plan for research
Be clearly and effectively organized
Clearly articulate the genre you will work in and why that genre is most effective for your topic. Even if you choose to write an academic essay, explain why that is the best choice for your topic.