PROSPECTUS GUIDELINES

You will be writing a research paper for this course.  This paper should be well-organized and focus on your topic.  It should be supported by research into articles and books that provide relevant information and arguments about your topic.  A prospectus is simply a means of helping you focus on your topic and of guiding your research efforts.

1.  When to write a prospectus:
You may:
a.  write a prospectus first and then begin your initial draft of the paper.
b.  begin writing your initial draft of the paper, then write your prospectus.
Use whatever works best for you.

2.  The prospectus should include: 
a.  a summary of the overall argument you plan to make.
b.  citations in the summary referring to items in the bibliography that that relate to your major points.
c.  a bibliography (see below)

a.  The Summary:
The summary should consist of two to four paragraphs. 
1) The first paragraph should clearly state the central issue (question, problem) you are addressing and, in some cases, your thesis (you answer to the issue, your conclusion).   
2)  The remaining paragraphs should clearly explain how you plan to go about solving the issue and/or proving your thesis (conclusion). 
You should:
a)  list and explain each general idea in your overall argument and state how you will support your argument.
b)  refer to specific articles or books from your bibliography that provide information about or support for your argument;
c)  explain the type of information or type of arguments that are provided by the article or book to which you are referring.

b.  In-text citations:
When you refer to an article or book in your bibliography, use in-text citations to "cite" them.

c.  Bibliography:
1.  The bibliography should include several (5 or more) articles and some books (2 or more) on your topic.  If you cannot find articles in the library or its databases, you should have at least 6 books.  No web articles except with permission.
2.  All articles and books should contribute substantial information and arguments to your overall argument.
3.  You can find: 
     Books:  through a subject search in the ISU on-line catalog and by browsing shelves with similar material in the library.
     Articles:  by means of the article databases in Milner. Go to Milner homepage and click on Articles, then scroll down the subject section till you get to Literature,
         History, or any other subject depending on your topic.  Click on the subject and find the appropriate databases. 
     The main databases for Literature are the MLA International Bibliography and Humanities Abstracts. 
     The main databases for Non-American history are:  Historical Abstracts and Humanities Abstracts
     Humanities Abstracts is also good for culture, but you should also look at the other subject areas.
d.  Bibliographical entries should be complete and follow the MLA or APA formats.  
    Citation and Bibliography Formats:  for MLA, APA, and online  bibliographical and citation formats see Bibliographical Formats