Honors Capstone Proposal Format Guide
Think of the proposal as drafting an outline of a course that only you are taking. Although the format of your
proposal may vary depending on the expectations of your advisor, it must include the following components:
/ The project title.
2. / Brief abstract. In approximately 100-150 words, summarize the rationale for your project, the methodology, anticipated results, and conclusions you will draw from your work.
3. / Problem statement (minimally, at least one paragraph).
· Research: State the research problem and briefly explain the rationale for your project.
· Creative Project: Describe your creative idea, the project or products to be developed, and the rationale for your project.
4. / Brief review of the literature relevant to your chosen topic, including citations (minimally, at least one
paragraph or two). At minimum, you will cite five professional or scholarly sources in your literature review. This work can be used for the final project submission. * note that any work you include in your proposal can be used for the final project.
5. / A detailed project design or methodology including the steps / procedures you will follow in completing your project. What will you do? How and where will you do it? Who will be involved? Who are your participants? How will you analyze your results? If you are doing a creative project, what do you hope to learn from the process or medium?
6. / In chart form, a detailed timeline of each task and when it will be completed. Include the dates and times you will meet with your faculty advisor.
7.
/ A description of the final product or products to be completed. What is the format of the outcome of this work? What will be turned in and evaluated for credit?
· If you are writing a paper, what is the expected length and style of the paper
· If you are proposing a creative endeavor, what is the specific format of the documentation that will support the work
8.
/ Explain how your advisor will supervise, evaluate, and determine a grade for the project. Assign a specific percentage to each grading category. Please consult the Honors Capstone Project Advisor Grading Sheet and Assessment form as a starting point for determining a grade.
9.
/ In addition to a final paper or product to be reviewed by your faculty advisor, how do you expect to share the results of your project? An exhibition? A national conference? Journal submission? On-campus? SRCEE?
10. / A detailed budget including the funding source. If you are requesting funding from the Honors Program, you must complete a Student Reimbursement Form, which must accompany your proposal and budget.
11. / Include a reference list corresponding to the citations made throughout your proposal.
12. / If HON 499 is taken as WI: Include details about the re-write process and work progress dates on the detailed timeline you submit with your capstone proposal.
· Advisors need to approve the timelines and can help structure the due dates to ensure there is enough time for revision and completion of each section.
· Your paper must be at least 18-pages (including references, tables, figures, etc.), and at least 50% of the formal writing will need to be revised if you are taking the WI option.
· Each of the five sections (e.g., introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and discussion) of the research paper offers an opportunity for revision. The capstone proposal can be considered the first draft of the first sections of your final capstone, and as such, can be counted in the required revision process.
03-24-17