English 220 – Survey of American Literature I

Grant T. Smith, Ph. D.

Suggested Outline for Prospectus

A prospectus for your final paper may take many forms. Any one or a combination of any is appropriate. I suggest that you do the following:

• Suggest a working title for your project
• Write a one-sentence thesis for your project
• In a narrative discuss your objectives
• Include in your narrative your methodology or research. For example, what titles have you already looked at? What do you plan to study further?
• Include in your narrative what information this project will add to your body of knowledge of American literature.

A prospectus may also include an annotated bibliography. You may also include

in your prospectus what questions you have and hope to answer. The prose may be formal or personal.