Exploratory Project #1 (Topic Proposal)

Exploratory Project #1 (EP-1)

Rough drafts (2 topics) due Wednesday by midnight, Week 3

Final draft (1 topic) due Sunday by midnight, Week 3*

100 points

Assignment:

Considering the breadth of possible topics, draft a topic proposal on two food-related subjects of interest to you. Keep in mind that you will be spending the rest of the quarter researching and writing about one of them. This exercise should help you determine which course of action is best. Please note that I am asking you to draft two proposals for peer-review, but you will only submit one for the final paper.

Audience: 

As you write this proposal, write to an audience of University faculty who are planning to support ten research projects. Write persuasively about the plan for your research and the impact it will have on the local/DU community.

Guidelines:

When writing your proposals, consider the key features of a successful topic proposal (Bullock’s “Topic Proposals” for more detailed explanation of elements 1–4):

1. Concise discussion of the subject, including relevant facts and background information from quality sources


2. Clear statement of your intended food-related focus


3. Rationale for choosing the subject


4. Discussion of key resources (titles of books, articles, etc.)

Additionally, each proposal should

• Identify your research questions


• Define key concepts or terms that relate to your topic


• List who you might interview on the topic (include names and titles of individuals)


• Identify some questions you might ask the DU community in a survey of students


• Indicate how your work will impact the public and identify its primary audience (e.g., the DU community, residents of Denver food deserts, parents of DPS students)


• Identify at least two sources of material on each subject (i.e., a book title, a government website, a specific magazine, or a disciplinary database)

Requirements:

• Approximately 2–3 pages for each proposal, typed and double-spaced in Times New Roman 12-point font


• Draft of BOTH proposals due Wednesday of Week 3


• Final draft of ONE PROPOSAL due Sunday of Week 3


• Post your final topic proposal to Canvas Assignment EP-1 by midnight on Sunday of Week 3.

Assessment rubric: EP-1 Rubric.pdf

Student sample: EP-1 student sample.pdf