Essay Proposal Guidelines

ED556 Curriculum

Dr. David Shutkin

Proposal Guidelines

Your goal: to convince your readers (Dr. Shutkin and fellow classmates) that your research topic is germane to the field of curriculum studies and that you can complete it successfully and on time. (Not to exceed 1250 - 1750 words / 5-7 pages)

Please address the items described below:

Introduction

What is the topic of your research? Briefly describe the topic within the context of the field of curriculum studies and your lived experiences in the field of education.

Problem Statement

What is the problem that your topic responds to? Research topics don't emerge from nothing. They arise out of a situation in which there is a need, a problem that must be solved. What needs, interests and prior knowledge form a foundation for your research topic? What connections do you make with other topics you know or study? Conversely, what "big" question or questions do you have about this topic? What do you want to know; what important content and concepts will you learn? What knowledge, skills, strategies and attitudes do you expect to gain?

Annotated Bibliography  

Research the literature to determine the discursive boundaries of your topic within the field of curriculum studies. For this initial bibliography, include 7+/- references. Each reference is to be cited using an acceptable bibliographic style such as APA, Chicago or MLA. Beneath each reference, include a succinct summary of how and why each reference defines or describes the topic.  Also, situate each reference within the discursive field by discussing what the reference is about including the historical, political, cultural and/or economic perspectives it establishes.