Planning with a Prospectus

Communication Across the Curriculum
Monmouth College
Dr. Steve Price, Director

Planning with a Prospectus

(30 October 2006)

It's that time of the year, when students realize that research papers, previously just a distant notion mentioned on a syllabus, become assignments that actually need to be completed.

The best students get started early. The ones who most need to start early . . . are tempted to wait. And maybe wait some more, until they've waited too long to engage truly in a process that helps them learn by writing the research paper.

How then do we get our students started in the research writing process?

Research Paper Prospectus

Barbara Walvoord suggests having your students complete a preliminary research paper prospectus, in which the students share with you their proposed topic, questions, and research strategies. The prospectus then gives you the chance to offer early (and quick) feedback, thus engaging both faculty and students in the process. Walvoord points out that you might also "ask students to share them with classmates and to respond, make suggestions, and support one another's efforts" (66).

Walvoord offers a sample prospectus, from Professor Mildred Steele, of Central College in Iowa.

Adapting the Prospectus

An added benefit of the research paper prospectus is its adaptability. While it's a useful exercise for generating topics and coordinating research, you might consider adding a question to the form, asking:

What difficulties do you envision for your project? What strategies will you employ to overcome the obstacles?

What will you argue in your project (the thesis)? What objections will readers likely have to your argument?

What is the preliminary organization of your research paper? (What main points are you going to cover?)

What gaps still exist in your research? Where will you locate information to fill these gaps?

(Adapted from Barbara E. Fassler Walvoord, Helping Students Write Well: A Guide for Teachers in All Disciplines, 2nd ed., New York: MLA, 1986, 66-67.)

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