GlobalSearch for Justice: Dismantling Racism

Instructor: Viv Ross

Research Proposal and Thesis Statement

Research Proposal and Thesis Statement Overview

The purpose of the research proposal is to 1) introduce the research topic, 2) describe the population
and country to be researched, and 3) develop a thesis statement; students will think critically about how
the topic is related to social justice, catholic social teachings, feminism, oppression, systemic racism, and
4) list at two to three preliminary resources. The proposal is intended to help students begin
considering their research topic and organizing their paper.

The final Research Paper in this course will be an argumentative paper; students will make a claim about
their topic and justify this claim with specific evidence. The claim can be an opinion, an evaluation, or an
interpretation. The goal of the paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the
evidence provided.

The following is a guideline for planning and organizing your proposal; review the template and the
rubric below to verify that aspects of the assignment are covered

• Refer to the research proposal format to use as a framework for setting up content for the
proposal. Students should include all information that is outlined.

• Proposals are typically a “high overview” of a research plan, not a detailed paper; therefore, it
should be brief and not to exceed two pages for the proposal content and one reference page
(total of three pages). You may also include a title page, but this is not necessary at this time.

• It is not expected that students are experts at this point; however, they should have conducted
some preliminary research and have some familiarity with the topic.

• Support propositions by referencing two-three sources. It is acceptable at this point to make
some general assumptions and express opinions.

• Word-process the paper, check for spelling and grammar issues, and format everything using
APA guidelines.

Research Proposal and Thesis Statement Format

Name

Date

• Overview of Research Topic

o In several sentences, provide a brief overview of the topic and the country being

studied. Include a thesis statement. For information about writing a thesis statement,

review pages 30-35 in the Bedford Handbook. Further information on how to formulate

a thesis statement can be found at the Purdue Online Writing Lab

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/545/01/.

• Background Information

o In several sentences, explain why the topic is a women’s health issue and a social justice

issue. Include how the culture of the country causes or contributes to the issue. Cite

two-three references from the Catherine Core Reader, e.g., Heitzeg’s justice article,

Connor’s Catholic social teaching article, Young’s oppression article, or other supporting

evidence. Personal opinion is acceptable and expected.

• Opposing Viewpoints

o In several sentences, students should state their viewpoint on the issue as well as what

they perceive to be opposing viewpoints.

• Proposed Solution

o List one-two actions already being taken by the government, public, or the affected

community related to the topic. List one-two actions that should be taken.

• References (APA citation format)

Research Proposal and Thesis Statement Grading Rubric

Name:

Content Points

1. Overview of Research Topic

• Brief overview of topic clearly stated.

• Country and/or population identified.

• Includes thesis statement.

__/5

2. Background Information

• States why issue is a social justice issue

• States how topic is related to women’s health

• Provide explanation of impact of culture

• Background information supported by 2-3 references

__/10

3. Opposing Viewpoints

• Clearly states what personal viewpoint is

• States what opposing viewpoints to the issue may be.

__/5

4. Proposed Solution

• Identifies 1-2 actions already being taken

• Identifies 1-2 actions that could/should be taken.

__/3

5. References/Writing

• References accurately cited using APA (in-text and reference
list).

• Demonstrates appropriate sentence structure, spelling, and
grammar.

__/2

Total Points
__/25