Proposals: Final Project on Writing and Diversity
As we approach the middle of the semester, I want to shift the focus of our work from what other people have had to say about writing and diversity to what you have to say about it.
Your final project is a 2,500-word, researched essay that connects with and extends the readings and conversation we’ve had in class so far. Think of yourself as creating one of the texts that will talk about in the second half of the semester. (This will literally be true, as I will ask you to share your work-in-progress with several other students, and to present some version of your final piece to the class as a whole.)
To get started, I’d like you to draft a two-page proposal for your final project. This proposal is due on Thursday, October 10, at 4:00 pm, and you and I will discuss it on either Monday, October 14, or Wednesday, October 16.
Here’s what your proposal should include:
Title and 50-100 Word Abstract
The etymology of the word project comes from the Latin to throw forward. Your Abstract and Title should identify the target you’re trying to hit. I encourage you to think in terms of Content and Stance. What texts or groups or events will you write about (content)? What questions or ideas will you explore (stance)?
Your abstract should include a sentence that looks something like this “Building on/drawing from/extending/problematizing the work of [insert the name of an author we’ve read and discussed here], I will . . .” Or, alternatively, you might write something like “Modeling my project on [insert the name of an author we’ve read and discussed here], I will . . .” The point is that, one way or the other, you need to make an explicit connection with one or more of the readings we’ve done so far.
Materials
And then you need to offer a list of new texts—readings, videos, music, art—that you will bring to the table.
For the purposes of this proposal, I’d like you to list at least five items under materials. Provide bibliographic information for each item, and, if possible, a hyperlink to it. Please also provide a one- or two-sentence summary of what the text is about and why you think it might be helpful or interesting to your project.
Many of the authors we’ve read so far draw heavily on their own experiences, or their observations of other people. I encourage you to do so as well. But I want your use of experience and observation to be informed by your reading.
Questions
Fire away. Are there alternative projects you’d like to consider? Are there books or films you’re not sure if you need to read or see? If you want to make use of your own experiences, or your observations of others, do you have any questions about how to do that?
If you ask me specific questions about your project, I can try to offer you specific advice in reply. If you simply ask, Does this sound good?, there’s probably not all that much I can say back beyond, Don’t know, let’s see. I’ll respond to your proposal, and especially to the questions you have for me, when you and I meet together on 10/14 or 10/16. These conferences will last 15 minutes. You’ll want to make as good use of that time as you can.
Disclaimer
The point of this proposal is get you started on your final project. The proposal itself does not have to be an elegant document. It simply needs to sketch out a reasonably specific plan of work. Your proposal is also not a contract. I assume that your project will change and evolve as you work on it over the next several weeks, and as you receive feedback on your writing. But I want you to get started. Now.
E367: Writing and Diversity 