Project Proposals

When are they due? Lauren and Kate pointed out after class that I was supposed to talk about this question again; they even tried and failed to get my attention. So... I'll leave it up to each of you individually. I highly recommend that you try to get them done for Monday, but if you can't do a good job for Monday, shoot for Wednesday.

What, exactly, is due? I want a detailed proposal, between a paragraph and a page, discussing what you want to do. If you are doing a conventional essay, things you should address include:

1. Your thesis, which should be clear, concise, and non-trivial.
2. A counterargument which an intelligent reader can take seriously. This especially helps to demonstrate that the thesis is, in fact, non-trivial.
3. Some indication of what research you intend to use. Most of you should begin (if you don't know this already) at the Pitt digital library page (I can't post a link right now, because it works differently from home - can someone do so?). On the upper left hand corner, you'll find links for "search for articles" and "search for books." The articles are conveniently broken down by subject heading. I intend to discuss this in class next week, for anyone having research difficulty. You should also feel free at any time to ask for help in the library: your insane tuition pays their meagre salaries just like it pays mine.
4. A brief explanation of how you see this project relating to the class. Don't bother with this if if it's completely obvious.

If you are not proposing a conventional essay, you should provide equivalent details, as far as it is possible to do so.

Notes:

1. Everyone should bring a printed copy of their proposal next week, in addition to posting it on the blog.
2. While I have fallen behind on reading your blog entries, and may have trouble catching up, I will read and comment on these promptly unless I am actually (knock on wood) hospitalized -- it will be my first priority, both within this class and among all my classes.
3. I want everyone to offer detailed comments on at least two other proposals, next week. We'll discuss details next week.
4. Post questions as a comment to this post, if and when you have them.