one+page+proposal

=One Page Proposal= Be sure to read the Term Paper page before you begin your proposal.

Goals:

 * Get your term paper well underway early
 * Clear topics with your instructor
 * Develop a draft thesis, research strategy and a tentative bibliography

3 Parts:

 * 1) A concise, focused, precise thesis statement of 1-3 sentences
 * 2) Map of your 3-5 main points, in point form or with full sentences, with or without sub points
 * 3) At least 4-6 potential sources

What is a thesis statement?
Here is an example of an observation about television and consumer culture and a description of a show: //Pimp my Ride is a reality-based program on MTV that follows a crew who customize old cars of selected individuals. Hosted by the rapper, actor and TV personality Xzibit, the focus of the show is on the process of rebuilding cars. This process also extends to the individual’s entire life: both car and lifestyle are "pimped out" with the consumption of after-market parts, paint, etc.//
 * A thesis statement should present and argument, a position worth defending.
 * It should point to substantial conclusions that address the **__significance__** and **__implications__** of your topic and your argument regarding that topic.
 * It should be as focused as possible. Your thesis should __**//not//**__attempt to cover an overly broad topic: the internet, society, the media, communication, orality, the future of the book, etc.
 * So don't attempt to write on something like the global Occupy Movement; rather, focus on a particular argument: "#OWS demonstrates how Twitter can change the practice, meaning and politics of protest."
 * At this point, your thesis is not set in stone. You should __expect__ your thesis to change and develop over the course of researching and writing your paper. When you are finished writing your conclusions, revisit your thesis one last time. Does it still offer a precise expression of what your paper as a whole is about? Does it clearly lay out the overall argument of your paper?

But your thesis should be an argument, not an observation:

//This paper will argue that the automobile and the process of ‘pimping out’ stand as metaphors for a consumptive way of life; the lucky participants receive a lifestyle makeover, not just a better car. The show thus implies that obtaining better commodities is the key to success in life. As is typical in a medium completely embedded in consumer culture, while hard work and talent are present in the workshop, commodity possession becomes the final and definitive means of obtaining social success, personal satisfaction and ultimate happiness.//

3-5 Main Points:

 * For your proposal, this should simply be a series of roughed out points.
 * But they should lead you in the proper direction and toward fully developed arguments. So when you write your paper, each point will become an argument that is relevant and that clearly and directly supports your main thesis. These points will be developed into one or several paragraphs or 1/2 to 1 1/2 pages each.
 * Do try to write with full sentences and if you think of subpoints, put those in too.

Sources:
Try to find as many potential sources as you can. List them at the bottom of the page in APA or another format. Show you have begun to do your research and that you are gathering materials. You may not have read your sources beyond the abstract or introduction but each item should be somewhat relevant. You will condense your bibliography as you move through the research phase.

===Email your proposal to jkb9@sfu.ca by November 12, 2011 so your instructor and respond quickly via email. Bring a paper copy to class as well, with your name and email address on the proposal.===