Proposal #1

This proposal does a particular good job of guiding the reader through each step and argument of their project. Through their academic essay style the student walks the reader through each step, ensuring their understanding. Though, I feel like this proposal’s strength may also lean into its weakness. 

I believe this essay reads more like an academic essay than a proposal. While it includes beneficial information in the development of the project, it overly details the project, leaving minimal room for the logistics of who, where, when, and why. 

Proposal #2

I like the layout of the questions in these guidelines, as it covers the topic directly and concisely. I like how the writer in the victorian monster’s proposal addresses the counterargument, stating, “Some readers may respond to my research by reminding me that not all Victorian literature makes use of such animals”. Including this, the reader effectively considers an outsider’s perspective to their proposal, which is vital when creating an argument. Another strength is in

My recommendation for improvement would be finding more related secondary sources, as, from the outside view, the topic of vegetarianism does not appear to fit into this student’s overall goal or argument. Regardless, they could be more specific about how the topic directly relates to their project in this proposal, rather than just in the annotated bibliography.

Proposal #3

The senior thesis proposal is overall vague. It seemingly lacks any focus that the reader can interpret. However, I believe they successfully establish their project as a “cap” for their major in ISH. They connect their learning to the human studies aspect of their project, making this an appropriate way to “cap” off their major.

My main suggestion is directly naming the texts that will be used and how they will help them in their research on “humanness” (again, very vague). An example of this attribution of “humanness” would also help the proposal appear thought-out and unique to the reader. The line, “Very generally I will draw on, and critically analyze, a range of literatures addressing the question of the human,” essentially means nothing, since almost all literature addresses human existence. I felt, after reading this proposal, that I had no idea what the project even was, so the level of specificity needs to be significantly increased. 

For my own project, I will continually add specifics to my plan. Even if it makes sense in my head, it might not to an outside reader. I also need to dig into my supplementary texts more and find specific ones that will meaningfully inform my project.