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MU 315: Music History I (Research Labs): Prospectus &
Bibliography

A resource guide for those in Music History I (and Music History II and III can use it for reference later).

Information on Prospectus and Bibliography & Paper

Your Prospectus assignment specifics are in My.Wartburg.

You will turn it in twice. 2! Once to My.Wartburg, and also printed out and brought to class.

Read the assignment instructions very closely.

Prospectus scope paragraph examples -- some things work, some still need work

This is an example of a scope that works well, although it could still be improved (it could be more specific about the intended direction of the paper):

This is an example of another scope that does some things right but still has work to do:

More tips

PROSPECTUS AND BIBLIOGRAPHY TIPS

Students who successfully write a prospectus consider these types of questions:

  1. What specific question will your paper ask and then attempt to answer (this becomes your thesis)?
  2. List the main points your paper will cover. Include no more than 5 main points.
  3. Choose ten written sources (articles and books, no overview!) you think you will include on the Prospectus.
    1. How do these ten sources complement each other—does one fill in gaps from another?
    2. Does one continue the story begun in another?
    3.  Does one get more specific than another?
    4. Does one give a different opinion than another?
    5. Do they work together to create a cohesive understanding for you?
  4. How were you challenged while searching for written and audio sources?
    1.  For example, did you struggle with a topic that was too narrow or too broad?
    2. How did you overcome these challenges?

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