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Capstone Project: Topic and Rough Prospectus

The Basics

• Brief description: Your prospectus is a concise document that outlines the research objectives and main goals of your capstone project, serving as a preliminary guide for both the research and the writing process.
• Length: 600 to 1,200 words.
• Research: No research is required, but it may be included if you prefer.
• Format: MLA Style

The Details

You will write a “Rough Prospectus” now (though in a few weeks, after you’ve completed more work, you will revise your “Rough Prospectus” and submit a “Revised Prospectus”). Your tone in this assignment can be relatively informal. Here is an outline of what to include in your “Rough Prospectus”:

• Working Title: Provide a tentative title for your project that reflects your current understanding of the topic.
• Research Questions: List the questions or issues you are considering exploring in your research.
• Preliminary Thesis: Offer an initial thesis statement or hypothesis, even if it's subject to change as you conduct further research.
• Research Context: Briefly explain the context or background that has led you to choose this topic.
• Potential Sources: Mention any sources, texts, or scholars you believe might be relevant to your research.
• Methodological Approach: Outline any initial ideas on how you plan to investigate your chosen topic.
• Expected Contributions: Describe what you hope your research will contribute to the field of English.
• Questions or Concerns: Note any uncertainties or challenges you anticipate in your research process.

The Rubric

• 34% Clarity of Research Intentions
  • Insufficient: The prospectus lacks a clear research focus, research questions, or a coherent thesis statement.
  • Adequate: The research intentions are somewhat clear but may require further refinement and articulation.
  • Good: The prospectus effectively communicates research intentions, including well-formulated questions and a clear thesis statement.
  • Outstanding: The research intentions are exceptionally clear, demonstrating a deep understanding of the chosen topic with precise questions and a compelling thesis statement.
• 33% Critical Thinking and Inquiry
  • Insufficient: The prospectus demonstrates limited critical thinking, with vague or poorly formulated research questions and minimal engagement with relevant sources.
  • Adequate: Critical thinking is evident, but research questions may need more depth, and the engagement with sources is somewhat superficial.
  • Good: The prospectus shows strong critical thinking skills, with well-crafted research questions and thoughtful consideration of relevant sources.
  • Outstanding: Critical thinking is exceptional, as evidenced by insightful research questions, a thorough exploration of sources, and a clear connection between the research intent and existing literature.
• 33% Project Planning and Organization
  • Insufficient: The prospectus lacks a structured plan for the research project, with no indication of methodology or organization.
  • Adequate: Some elements of project planning and organization are present, but they may be incomplete or loosely defined.
  • Good: The prospectus demonstrates a well-thought-out plan for the research project, including a clear methodological approach and an outline of the project's structure.
  • Outstanding: Project planning and organization are exemplary, with a detailed and comprehensive plan, a well-defined methodology, and a clear and logical project structure.