Writing Plan

Prospectus

A Prospectus is a an introduction to what you plan to write about and an explanation of your plan. These sections will become your introduction and methods section of your paper. There is no magic about it.

A major part of the prospectus is to explain the importance of the thesis statement you will explore and to provide evidence that you will be able to make a strong case for it, which includes looking at sources that are against it and arguing why they are not accurate.

Part of the prospectus will include an outline (see examples) to further demonstrate your research and writing plan. It is expected that much of the outline and perhaps other aspects as well may change as a result of your research before the first draft of your paper.

The real goal, then, of a prospectus is to show that you are thinking seriously about your paper.

Outline

The Prospectus is a detailed narrative description of how you will accomplish your research. The Outline is the diagram of how your paper will lay out. It is generally not expected to be set in stone; again, the goal is to get you thinking about how you will organise and frame it. It should be numbered, as in the examples below, and may be topical, as in the examples below, or it may use full sentences.

Include your title and any expected 'front matter' at the top. Any references, figures, or appendices follow the conclusion in the same way.

Example 1:

TITLE: Be Not Their Death in Vain.
FORWARD
ABSTRACT
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
DISCLOSURE

Your Introduction, in which you introduce the topic, thesis, and main body of supporting evidence, will be first part of in your outline. In the paper, the introduction is where you will give background and reason for writing the paper. If you are writing a very long paper, you should have sub-topics within your introduction.

Example 2:

I. INTRODUCTION
1. Defining and elucidating the question and approach thereunto
a. Expert opinion
i. Cpl. Rev. Alan Neal, RA, Ret.
ii. Lt. JG Robert L. Chamberlain, MC, USN, Ret.
iii. Rigoberto Ramirez, MD, FACS

You may also find it helpful to add a Background section to transition from your introduction to the body of your paper.

Example 3:

II. BACKGROUND
1. Simple Issues of Practicality
a. Military need
b. Economic considerations
c. Political objectives

You then progress to list sub-topics relating to your main topic and supporting your thesis. This is the actual body of your paper. For each sub-topic, you should have two or three pieces of evidence supporting the sub-topic, and you should give some detail of each, beyond just its significance to the sub-topic, thus the main topic and thesis statement.

Example 4:

III. THE 'MEN OF SCIENCE' AND THEIR WORK
1. Vienna Anatomy: E. Pernkopf
2. Dachau Hypothermia and Subatmospheric Experiments: S. Rascher
a. Subatmospheric studies
b. Human Hypothermia studies
c. Animal Studies
d. Military Medical Need
e. Execution and Record

IV. POST-WAR EFFECT
1. A Question of Honour, Ethics, and Morality
a. Pro-Use Arguments
b. Non-Use Arguments

Your conclusion should not just summarise your points and re-state thesis. It should be a powerful punch to enforce why what you have said is so. This is, perhaps, the hardest part of a paper, but it is the most critical.

Example 5:

V. CONCLUSION
1. Only Moral Choice

Annotated Bibliography

An Annotated Bibliography is just like a References section, but in addition to the reference (or citation) itself, it also contains an annotation (not abstract) or each source. The annotated bibliography, however, is typically done in addition to the References section, is not numbered, and is ordered alphabetically by the author's last name. The annotation goes beyond a description, which is the definition of an abstract, to give a critique and brief analysis of the source. One might contrast and compare other works in relation to the one being presently considered. It is also good to say something of the author, if appropriate. Especially at least hint at how useful the source was. Annotations should be given in 2-4 complete sentences. The below example, while lengthy, covers about all points an annotation should.

Example 1:

Pernkopf E. Thorax, Abdomen, and Extremities (Vol. 2). Atlas of Topographical and Applied Human Anatomy. Ferner H (ed.) and Monsen H (trans.). W. B. Saunders Co.: Philadelphia; 1964.

Eduard Pernkopf, chair of anatomy at University of Vienna University during the Nazi years, compiled his sentinel seven-volume work from what subsequent research evidence shows were most likely Nazi victims. This beautifully illustrated work rivals Henry Gray’s 1856 legendary anatomy text, still printed, and itself was published continually from 1938 well into the 1990s, when evidence concerning its subjects origin was exposed and publicised. Of especial use in surgical practice, Pernkopf did exquisite dissections, exposing each area by layers and removing non-essential tissue that could obscure view of critical structures.

The following example is shorter, but it does not give any critique and is not a true annotation. It is an abstract. Recall the definition of a critique or critical analysis. They are an evaluation of something, and they usually say how it could be improved. A critic is anyone that gives critiques. A coach issues a critique of his players. A teacher critiques her students' homework. Peers critique eachother on their dress.

Example 2:

Hauptman R, Motin SH. The Holocaust: Memories, Research, Reference. Haworth Press. 1998. 141-144.

The authors present their view, supported by a victims’ interest group, that the Pernkopf Atlas and other data should be used to the fullest extent to the benefit of mankind, with ample notification of its Nazi origin.

An annotated bibliography not only serves as a guide to research for others but serves also to illustrate the breadth and type of sources consulted and available on a given topic.

Writing Plan

Prospectus

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Annotated Bibliography