Next Steps Program Getting Started in Proposal Writing

Next Steps Program Getting Started in Proposal Writing (Subtitle: “You can do it!”) Facilitated by Christopher Hayden Penny Hirsch Galya Ruffer Bernard Streitwieser Undergraduate Research Grant Program The Writing Program International Studies Searle Center for Teaching Excellence International Studies & the Center for Global Engagement January 27, 2009

Writing a research proposal may not be your favorite activity. . . But you’re eager to return to London, Paris, . . . www. freefoto. com International Studies Workshop 1/27/09 2

. . . Istanbul or Seoul www. google. images. com International Studies Workshop There are so many things you still want to learn! 1/27/09 3

The way to do this, the Next Step: International Studies Workshop 1/27/09 4

Today’s focus: how to get started with proposal writing • We want to help you get started I) Take the ideas you wrote about and turn them into proposal notes § Understand what constitutes “good writing”? § See where you are in the writing process § Recognize what readers want II) Help you start thinking about how to find a mentor and identify a methodology III) Answer your questions • After that: you’ll have time to explore these ideas in smaller groups with grad students, faculty, and peers International Studies Workshop 1/27/09 5

We want to help you go from this: Frustrated NU student with writer’s block . . . to this: www. flickr. com/search/? q=writer&w=all www. flickr. com/search/? w=all&q=writer+at+work&m=text International Studies Workshop 1/27/09 6

You’ve already started writing – which is great! Procrastination is common: “I’ll do my research first and then later just ‘write it up’” Bad idea! Writing is a process that requires planning, feedback, & iteration; this takes time Writing is a way of thinking that leads to better research International Studies Workshop 1/27/09 7

The first step: to figure out what constitutes “good writing” “Good writing” means different things to different people International Studies Workshop 1/27/09 8

Writing is “socially constructed” -- that is, shaped by people in different discourse communities • Discourse community: People who share the same discipline, background, professional goals – Result: A good writer in history may or may not be a good writer in journalism, science, law, etc. – “Good writing” fulfills the expectations of people in a specific discourse community • “Good” is also defined by genre – Genre = type of writing § A proposal is a specific genre § Proposals in different fields have similar elements but subtle differences Readers in a specific field come to a document type (genre) with definite expectations International Studies Workshop 1/27/09 9

Use a “communication framework” to start your planning GENRE = PROPOSAL audience content or message persona or tone purpose International Studies Workshop 1/27/09 10

Who is your audience: what will your readers want? • Substantive content -- showing that you have: – a clear purpose – well stated research questions – knowledge of the field – sufficient background to undertake the project – well thought out methods, budget, preparation – evidence to back up assertions – worthwhile long-term goals • • Organization that makes key information easy to find A professional finish (good grammar, correct punctuation, neat appearance, correct citations) International Studies Workshop 1/27/09 11

For funding, you need an A+ proposal, so consider what constitutes an A paper at NU Excerpt from Good Writing Standards handout used by WP faculty (J. Herrick) International Studies Workshop 1/27/09 12

Writing is a process: start with rough ideas, let ideas evolve as you get material & feedback planning/ getting / drafting material You’re here writing & organizing getting feedback rewriting revising for style & final editing International Studies Workshop 1/27/09 13

Jot down notes: what is your purpose? Who will be your audience? • Purpose • Audience (list all readers & consider their backgrounds) International Studies Workshop 1/27/09 14

Consider winning proposals submitted by others • What are the parts of a proposal? – Introduction that gives background: the problem and its significance § For a general audience – – – Literature review Purpose of proposed research; research question(s) Proposed methodology Budget and rationale for funding Your preparation and goals the committee perspective International Studies Workshop 1/27/09 15

Figure out what writing decisions you can make now • Preparation sections: list courses you’ve taken, study abroad experiences, previous research, questions you have • Formatting: – Headings or not? § Good for 1 st draft § Later, replace with strong topic sentences? – Font style and size § Using the right style and size for your draft will help you judge length • Ideas about writing style – How to start paragraphs with strong topic sentences that announce the subject – How to revise for conciseness § Example: cut out “hyperbolic” & unnecessary adjectives ( “incredibly, ” “really, ” “truly”) • Citations: what style should you use? International Studies Workshop 1/27/09 16

Get help from others • • People in the field – for significance and methodologies • • Staff in Office of Fellowships Librarians and professors – for literature review and research questions Writing tutors in the Writing Place International Studies Workshop 1/27/09 17

You can do this! • Think positively! – Very high success rate from students who get started early and get feedback from others – Every draft -- even notes -- will take you forward – A proposal is short • Get help – Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from peers and faculty – Don’t feel stupid asking questions • Collaborate with friends – Provide critical feedback – But also give encouragement and be nice! International Studies Workshop 1/27/09 18

How to start building faculty relationships • • • Defining your research interests • Questions you should ask faculty and grad students Identifying potential mentors Meeting with your potential mentors – Be professional – Bring a paragraph describing your research interests – Bring a CV International Studies Workshop 1/27/09

What’s ahead at “Next Steps”? • Reception – Approach faculty – Talk to other students – Consider the writing you did for today • After faculty leave, continue to network with your peers – other students with similar interests – potential grad student mentors • And have fun! International Studies Workshop 1/27/09 20