The Final Research Proposal should be 1400 – 2000 words (plus Footnotes and Bibliography). The Footnotes and Bibliography are essential, but they do not count toward the word count. Each section has a Word Count Range.
Five Sections: Include Numbered Subheading before each Section:
_______
1. Introduction: Research Question, Scope, Sources, and Thesis.(200 – 250)
a. Express the research question in one sentence that includes dates.
b. Explain the scope of the research: why were the dates chosen? What are the geographical boundaries of the research? Which themes or issues are investigated? What other boundaries define the scope of the research and, importantly, what key issues does the project not include?
c. Sources: Include 3 -5 sentences characterizing the type and quantity of the primary source collections (e.g., newspapers, letters, government documents).
d. Thesis: Express the thesis in one sentence.
2. Historiographical Context & Significance. (400 – 600, plus Footnotes)
a. This section will be a revision of the Historiographical Context section of the First Research Proposal. This section requires Footnotes.
b. Working with at least three of the scholarly history monographs, analyze the historiographical context of the research project: What have other historians argued about this question? Where have they agreed and disagreed? What perspectives have they ignored or issues have they neglected? What other questions does your project suggest?
c. Significance: Explain the relevance of your research project to the historical literature.
3. Methodology: (200 -250 words, plus Footnotes if any) Explain how the primary sources will be used. This will be a revision of that section from the First Research Proposal.
4. Initial Results from Primary Sources: (500 – 600 words, plus Footnotes)
This section is an improved version of the section in the First Research Proposal. Explain what you have learned so far from a few of the primary sources. Include at least one item from each of three distinct Primary Source Collections (total of 3 items minimum). Write in paragraphs. Include a correct footnote for each source.
5. Bibliography: (not part of word count)
a. Limit each annotation to one or two sentences maximum indicating relevance to research question.
b. Include all the Primary Source Collections and Secondary Sources that you expect to use. These lists will include both the items listed in footnotes and all those that you expect to use.
c. The Primary Source Collections and the Secondary Sources should be in separate lists, each in correct format and alphabetical order.
d. List Primary Source Collections Please do not list each item.
Format Checklist:
Acceptable file formats are *.doc, *.docx, or *.pdf.
Include a Numbered Subheading before each Section.
Double-space, upper and lower case letters, serif font for text.
1″ margins all around.
Running head (Short Title and page #) in upper right corner of each page.
Put Primary and Secondary Sources in separate alphabetical lists.
Use Chicago Style (Turabian) in correct bibliographic format for each item.
Use the distinct formats for Footnotes & Bibliography
Use full sentences for the annotations.
Proofread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation; make corrections.
Upload only one file for the entire assignment.
Save. It’s a terrific example of your best work.
Title Page Checklist:
The title page is a separate page but not a separate file.
Final Research Proposal [not in quotation marks].
Working Title of your Research Project [must include dates].
