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 Next Steps Program

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

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

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

International Studies Workshop 1/27/09  5  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  6  We want to help you go from this: to this: Frustrated NU student with writer’s block

International Studies Workshop 1/27/09  7  You’ve already started writing – which is great! 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 Procrastination is common: “I’ll do my research first and then later just ‘write it up’”

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

International Studies Workshop 1/27/09  9  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  10  Use a “communication framework” to start your planning audience purpose content or message persona or tone GENRE = PROPOSAL

International Studies Workshop 1/27/09  11  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  12  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  13  Writing is a process: start with rough ideas, let ideas evolve as you get material & feedback You’re here planning/ getting / drafting material writing & organizing getting feedback rewriting revising for style & final editing

International Studies Workshop 1/27/09  14  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 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  15  the committee perspective

International Studies Workshop 1/27/09  16  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 1st 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  17  Get help from others People in the field – for significance and methodologies Librarians and professors – for literature review and research questions Staff in Office of Fellowships Writing tutors in the Writing Place

International Studies Workshop 1/27/09  18  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 How to start building faculty relationships Defining your research interests Identifying potential mentors Meeting with your potential mentors –Be professional –Bring a paragraph describing your research interests –Bring a CV Questions you should ask faculty and grad students

International Studies Workshop 1/27/09  20  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!