Humanities courses with Helen Holt at Champlain College (St-Lambert) Longueuil, Qc. http://pages.infinit.net/khandro/champoff.html

The Research Proposal

(Though not every supervisor or professor will ask to see it, all research has one -- it might be called the hypothesis and procedure, or the objective.)

This is worth 10% and it is the medium through which we formally communicate about your topic.
It is also a demonstration of your understanding of, and ability to follow instructions regarding, searching and format.

It will consist of not more than 2 (two) pages. The cover is as in the sample with the title, of course, Research Proposal. This is to be followed by a word or two indicative of the area of research, eg. Food.
(This is not the time for a clever title. Something witty such as Just Desserts could be used for the final paper, though.)

The first line consists of the one word Topic: (state the topic.)

The second line is Question: (One clear, brief query.)

Keep it simple and straight-forward.

KBP questions are usually something like: Why do we dislike those different from us? What is the reason for good manners? What is the function of the dream?

In Ethics, the case study fulfills this role in planning your later work.

In Mythology, most often it is, "What is the significance of ---------- in the mythologies of the world?" or it could just be the one question that prompted a variety of "traditional sacred explanations," eg. Where do people come from?

Link for a proposal form for competent former students.

NB In Mythology. The sub-sections will be aspects of your topic such as motifs, themes, or versions of myths.

Next follows a tentative outline in numbered form.

It is not guess work, but must be based upon initial research in various levels of reference books show sources.

The purpose of it is to show me that you have become aware of the various aspects of your topic.
For example, there may be several different views on your topic in the literature, with differences based on specific major points.
Often, you will have to define your terms and any specialized terminology, so there might be a section headed Definitions.
When you do, I expect to see appropriate citations, eg. (Allport 234).
Also, even if you only borrow the structure of an approach from someone else, you have to cite them. For general or overall concepts (and ONLY in the Proposal, you can just cite the author without any specific page, because usually there will not be one.)

Visit MLA for formatting parenthetical citations.

You will not be expected to stick to this outline for later work. It is only a tentative one. That is because:

You will probably have discovered new aspects to your topic as you get into it.
Perhaps you will even have to abandon your initial approach because of subsequent findings.
Your teacher is probably well-aware of most of the areas that your topic touches upon.
If he or she suggests a book, assume (or inquire whether) it is an essential text on the subject.
To proceed without using that book would be very fool-hardy indeed.

For example, in KBP if you choose to write about Intelligence and Racism, you cannot ignore The Bell Curve though it is very controversial. You cannot write about the recreational use of drugs or their legalization in Canada without consulting the LeDain Royal Commission report of the 1970's that took 4 years to prepare and consists of 4 volumes of work.

Also, you might be asked a question that prompts further investigation of some aspect of your topic by fellow students or the teacher, either in person or on the 'corrected' paper.

The last part of the Proposal is headed Works Cited.
Alphabetically arranged, and in MLA format, the items when listed on this page should, however, be single-spaced with the second line of each in a "hanging indent." They should be separated by a double space.

In rare instances, students may be given the option of using a specially-prepared form for the proposal.

***

Among the sources for KBP: at least

one general encyclopedia, (notice the initials at the end of the article so you can look up the author.). Note any bibliography or "'see also"s for further sources.

one specialized encyclopedia or comprehensive reference work such as a textbook or book by an authority in your field
two items from the stacks or reserve
a periodical article
an authoritative website.(not from database.)

There should be some view of the topic in our context, ie. Canadian, Quebec, Montreal region where possible
There must be parenthetical citations in the outline to show you really looked up details of topics.

some interesting topics, past & present.

Sources for Mythology:

Mythology of All Races, 12 vols. *
Leeming's World of Myth [our textbook] *
Campbell's Atlas of World Mythology [5 vols.] or The Masks of God, [4 volumes.]
Frazer's Golden Bough (avail. online with Search) or other authoritative web site [see Myth links.]
plus, one other book on your topic from the stacks

* means you HAVE to include these for a passing mark.
Don't forget that you have to also find narratives, not just 'facts' and interpretations. Try to locate one as close to the original as possible -- the best older source and not "retellings."

Reserve topics early, 1. originality counts, 2. there are often 120 students in these courses and the library is limited

Do not forget to begin using your card method at this stage. (You do not want to waste any of your library time.)

Before submitting any assignment

Read it aloud to a friend or even alone to check the diction and 'boring' factor.
If you know your English is weak, ask a native-speaker to check it with you.(You could reciprocate with help in another area). NB. English keyboard with " type quotation marks.
Edit it with a pencil at the last minute just in case you missed an error.
Hand it in on time, in person.

Ask for permission if you are going to be late and know the penalty.

USE YOUR BROWSER'S BACK BUTTON OR THE MENU BELOW \/

Former students: a research proposal form

KBP Research Proposal

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Star Research Proposal page

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