Requirements:

• The proposal is typed, double-spaced and no more than one page in length.

• The proposal effectively "sells" the reader on not only the inherent interest of your topic but on your ability to follow through with your project.  Generally this is done by placing your topic/thesis in the context of debate in its field and by providing the reader with at least a rough idea of how you will carry out your project (your methodology).

• The bibliography strictly observes the Modern Language Association format for various kinds of research material in all of its ten or more entries.  See the MLA Style Manual for how to construct a Works Cited page.

•  At least ten of the entries are annotated by the inclusion of two to three sentences of concise summary (and perhaps analysis) describing the focus and content of the text.

Suggestions:
 

• Imagine a conference to which you would like to apply (or are applying to) or just your final paper for the semester as a way of focusing your proposal.

• Go over the proposal with a fine-toothed comb and make it as polished and concise as possible.  You only have one page in which to get your idea across (and in which to subtly impress your audience), so make every word count.

• Not only the MLA Style Manual but other books already on your shelf will be of help.  Altick and Fenstermaker provide a tersely annotated bibliography in their "For Further Reading" (259-279).  James Harner's Literary Research Guide is nothing but an annotated bibliography.  These can all supply models for your own work.

Objectives:
 

• You will gain experience with writing proposals, one of the most often used forms of writing either inside or outside of academia.  The skill of writing concisely yet persuasively can be utilized not only in conference, book, and grant proposals, but can be applied to other writing tasks such as the job cover letter which require a thorough and polished performance within a limited space.

• Looking up sources for this assignment will provide you with practical experience in literary research techniques and will help you to hone your skill in using proper bibliographic format.

• It will help you to get started on a potentially important future project.