1. 6/2/2015Prince: Thesis Proposals1 Thesis Proposals: A Declaration of Honest Intentions Michael J. Prince HSD Graduate Work Conference

2. 6/2/2015Prince: Thesis Proposals2 Introduction The purpose of this session is to explore with you the art and craft of developing a graduate thesis proposal at UVic Based on my experience in HSD since 1987

3. 6/2/2015Prince: Thesis Proposals3 Topics What is a Thesis Proposal? The Functions of a Proposal Pre-Proposal Steps Ingredients of Proposals Three Types of Proposals Proposal Meetings with your Committee Questions & Discussion

4. 6/2/2015Prince: Thesis Proposals4 What is a Proposal? “ An action plan that justifies and describes the proposed study.” “An effort by all concerned to provide an initial ‘road-map’ for the program of research.” “A serious statement of intent to look into a question or phenomenon and a plan about how to conduct the search.”

5. 6/2/2015Prince: Thesis Proposals5 Functions and Uses of a Proposal To demonstrate your ability in this undertaking, including familiarity of the knowledge in the field. To convince readers that the research is worth doing (valuable) and is do-able (feasible). To enable the Committee to offer advice. To serve as an agreement or contract between you and your Committee on the direction and design. To act as a guide for you while doing the research and writing.

6. 6/2/2015Prince: Thesis Proposals6 Pre-Proposal Steps Developing/exploring your interests Familiarize yourself with other proposals Locate faculty who have similar interests and discuss your ideas Choosing a Thesis Supervisor Forming a Supervisory Committee Work on your proposal in consultation with Supervisor and perhaps other Committee members

7. 6/2/2015Prince: Thesis Proposals7 Proposal Ingredients Title Introduction – topic/problem statement, and rationale or significance Key research questions/goals/purposes Literature review Theory/conceptual framework Data collection and data analysis methods Schedule for doing the work Working Bibliography Appendices

8. 6/2/2015Prince: Thesis Proposals8 Types of Proposals 1. The Sketch: up to 10 pages. Focus on the topic, goals and questions, and research design. 2. The Blueprint: often 25 – 35 pages. Some literature review, fuller discussion of theory and methods, ethical considerations, personal stance, schedule, and bibliography. 3. The Foundations: Can be two or three chapters of thesis (75 -100 pages). The Introduction, Methodology, and Literature Review chapters.

9. 6/2/2015Prince: Thesis Proposals9 Whatever the type, a good proposal should: Address in a clear, feasible and persuasive way the questions of what?, why?, how?, and when?

10. 6/2/2015Prince: Thesis Proposals10 Proposal Meetings with your Committee Circulate written proposal in advance of meeting with adequate time. Consult Supervisor on crafting an agenda for the meeting and decide who will take notes of key points from the discussion (you or Supervisor). Briefly present proposal. Invite comments from Committee members. Decision can be to approve as is; approved with some minor changes; deferred until some major additional work is done.

11. 6/2/2015Prince: Thesis Proposals11 Proposal Meetings A second (and maybe third) meeting may or may not be needed to finalize approval of proposal. Sound out Committee members on their preferences of how often to be consulted, on what (sections, chapters, entire drafts), in what format (hard copy, electronic) and where Once approved, Committees realize aspects of the proposal may shift as research proceeds. Major changes ought to be approved by the Committee.

12. 6/2/2015Prince: Thesis Proposals12 Discussion General questions? Points of clarification or elaboration? Experiences you wish to share. Other points of discussion.

13. 6/2/2015Prince: Thesis Proposals13 Like a Victorian Marriage… “Scholarship, like a Victorian marriage, requires an early declaration of intentions.” “Further elaboration, like an extended courtship, can better reveal these honest intentions.” M. Sproule-Jones, 1993.

14. 6/2/2015Prince: Thesis Proposals14 A Proposal has a Past and a Future “Before, a joy propos’d; behind, a dream. All this the world well knows, yet none knows well….” W. Shakespeare, Sonnet 129.