Eng 105- Final Research Project

Overview

For most people, including experienced researchers and professors alike, performing any kind of new
research is an overwhelming and daunting task. Questions such as How do I find a topic? Where do I
find information on it? What do I do with it when I find it? hover their minds as they experience series of
emotions such as panic, anxiety, and even nausea upon hearing the word “research.” (And I too, once
belonged in this category )

To make this process less daunting and more approachable, we will break down the research project into
smaller, more manageable components, many of which will be done during class. Remember that our
course text Envision in Depth contains many informative and illuminating ideas that you will find greatly
beneficial during your research process--that is, if you remember to read it thoroughly.

Here are some key components of research that we will be working on from now until the end of the
quarter. Remember that your final research paper will be due June 10th Tuesday by 5:00 PM in my
office (located at building 24E Room 1211 F). I will leave a box in front of the office so you can drop it
off at any time. I will collect papers exactly at 5 pm sharp, so please—no late papers!

Part I.

Research Freewrite (1-2 pages)- Hard Copy due in class on May 13 Tuesday; should also have an
electronic copy in your email inbox or on a flashdrive to participate in collaborative work

For this assignment, please follow the three-paragraph model found on page 96 of our text.

 First paragraph- Announce your topic (in the form of research questions) and state a preliminary
thesis so that you can begin the project with a critical and focused perspective.

 Second paragraph- Identify the sources you plan to use to investigate this topic. This can be
anything from film, commercials, advertisements, editorials, newspaper articles, websites, scholarly
journals, books, encyclopedias, and other online sources. Make sure that you are paying attention to
the scholarly credibility of each source (with the exceptions of commercials, advertisements, and
other sources found in popular culture.)

 Third paragraph- speculate on obstacles or problems you might encounter in your research and how
you might avoid or solve these problems.

 Be sure to read sample research freewrite on page. 96-98

Part II

Research Proposal- Hard Copy due in class on May 20 (T) or 22 (TR) on the day you present

There will be two components to your research proposal:

1) Written Proposal (3-5 pages) including the following components:

 Background: What do I know about my topic? What do I need to know more about? Why is my
research important (rationale)? Why am I interested in this topic?
 Methods: How am I going to research this topic? What are my main research questions?
 Goal and Significance: What do I hope to accomplish in my research? What are the broader
political, cultural, social, or economic implications of my research?

Overall, a research proposal aims at the following objectives:

 It introduces the narrowed topic

 It presents the rhetorical stance or thesis that the writer will develop
 It explains the significance of the research project
 It lists possible sources for investigation
 It outlines your research methods or planned approach to the research
 It delineates a detailed timeline for investigating the topic
 It often anticipates any difficulties that might arise
 It includes a brief biography of the researcher (usually a one-to-two paragraph description of the
writer’s credentials, interests, and motivations)
 It includes, if appropriate, a carefully chosen and analyzed visual rhetoric text as a case study or
concrete example of your topic.

Don’t forget to download and read sample research proposals found on our course website. This
will give you a much clearer idea on my expectations and save you time on the long run.

2) Research Proposal Presentation (including PowerPoint and other applicable visuals)

On May 20th (T) or 22nd (TR), you will share your research-in-progress (or research proposal) by creating
a PowerPoint presentation. The objective of this assignment is simple- To transform your research-in-
progress into a concise, concrete, and engaging presentation to inform, enlighten, and empower yourself
as a rhetorician and a researcher.

More detailed instructions will be provided on a separate handout.

Part III

Other Necessary Components

 Bio- A concise paragraph that explains the persona of the writer to the intended audience. This
functions to persuade readers of the writer’s depth of knowledge or connection to the topic. You may
feel that you have no authority on this topic, but keep in mind that as you explore your sources, you
will become more knowledgeable and be able to enter into the ongoing dialogue in your research
field. Include your academic credentials, personal interests, and motivation for engaging in this
research. (See pg. 185-186 for sample bios)

 Final Reflection/ Self-Evaluation Letter Due on the last day of class June 6 th (TR)- Detailed
prompt will be provided near the end of the quarter- Remember that writing is always a process,
not a final product. Even though you will be turning in a “final version” of your paper for a grade,
this does not necessarily mean that this is a “finalized” product since you can always improve its
quality as you grow as a writer. Indeed, all writing is re-writing.

 Annotated Bibliography (Works Cited in MLA format)