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Capstone Project: Revised Prospectus

The Basics

• Brief Description: Your "Revised Prospectus" is a concise document that outlines the research objectives and main goals of your capstone project, serving as a guide for both the research and the writing process. You have already written the "Topic and Rough Prospectus." Now that you've completed several other steps in the Capstone Project process, the "Revised Prospectus" focuses on revising and updating your research intentions, providing insights into how your project has evolved, and refining your research roadmap.
• Length: 600 to 1,200 words. (It's okay to go over 1,200 words, if you need to...)
• Research: No research is required, but including it will allow you to provide some details about what you've learned so far.
• Format: MLA Style

Important Notes

• The "Revised Prospectus" should build upon your initial "Topic & Rough Prospectus" assignment, demonstrating how your project has evolved.
• This assignment focuses on clear communication, reflection, and adaptability in response to the research journey.
• By completing this assignment, you will refine your research objectives and direction, ensuring that your capstone project aligns with your evolving insights and goals.

The details

• Reflect on Your Initial Prospectus: Review the "Topic & Rough Prospectus" assignment you submitted earlier. Consider your working title, research questions, preliminary thesis, research context, potential sources, methodological approach, expected contributions, and any questions or concerns you noted.
• Update Research Intentions: In the "Revised Prospectus," update your research intentions based on the progress you've made in your project so far. Address the following:
  • Working Title: Reflect on your current understanding of the topic and provide a revised working title for your project.
  • Research Questions: Revisit and refine your research questions or issues, incorporating any new insights or changes.
  • Update Thesis: Offer an updated thesis statement or hypothesis based on your evolving understanding.
  • Research Context: Discuss how your project's context or background has evolved since your initial prospectus.
• Incorporate Your Progress: Describe how your research has progressed. Include any significant findings, challenges, or shifts in your approach that have occurred since your initial prospectus.
• Methodological Approach: Elaborate on your methodological approach. Explain any adjustments or refinements based on your project's development.
• Expected Contributions: Reiterate what you hope your research will contribute to the field of English. Reflect on whether these expectations have evolved.
• Address Questions or Concerns: If you had any uncertainties or challenges in your initial prospectus, discuss how you've addressed or reevaluated them in light of your progress.
• Clarity of Communication: Ensure that your revised prospectus effectively communicates the current state of your research, your evolving intentions, and the insights you've gained.

The Rubric

The revised prospectus will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• 34% Clarity of Updated Research Intentions
  • Insufficient: The revised prospectus lacks clear and coherent updated research intentions.
  • Adequate: The updated research intentions are somewhat clear but may require further articulation.
  • Good: The prospectus effectively communicates updated research intentions, including well-formulated questions and a clear thesis statement.
  • Outstanding: The updated research intentions are exceptionally clear, demonstrating a deep understanding of the topic with precise questions and a compelling thesis statement.
• 33% Reflection and Adaptation
  • Insufficient: The prospectus does not effectively reflect or adapt to changes in the research.
  • Adequate: There is some reflection on progress and adaptation, but it may be incomplete or superficial.
  • Good: The prospectus demonstrates thorough reflection on progress and thoughtful adaptation to evolving research needs.
  • Outstanding: Reflection and adaptation are exemplary, with a comprehensive review of progress and an agile response to research developments.
• 33% Project Planning and Organization
  • Insufficient: The revised prospectus lacks structured project planning and 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.