Final Project

Webpage Proposal Directions Requirements Format Evaluation Criteria Due Dates   Printer-friendly version

Objectives: The final project is going to be a webpage proposal. A written proposal of any kind is an argument as to why the project you are proposing is the best choice. Technically, it's defined as something that "implies that some action should take place and implicitly suggests that there are good reasons why it should" (Lundsford and Ruszkiewicz 191). It's like what we've done so far in that the goal is to persuade. The difference is that for the purposes of this assignment, you will be asked to make this proposal in the form of a webpage as opposed to a paper. However, you will still need to provide a lot of written information, as detailed below.   Directions for the content of the webpage: We're going to propose a design for a memorial for those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks (here is the one that actually got accepted) It must contain an overview. This should be a mini-version of your entire proposal in which you establish very clearly what you are proposing to do and why. All of these points will be elaborated on in the actual proposal. For an informal proposal, your overview might be 2-3 paragraphs, but it should include the following points: Brief statement of problem or need (in other words, you must consider why Lafayette needs a 9.11 memorial and show how your memorial will meet that need) Brief summary of proposal objective (what are you proposing to do?) Brief summary of request (what are you asking for? This is where you ask for the materials needed for your project) Brief summary of expected results and outcomes (what good things will happen once your plan is adopted?) It must provide background. What background information, context, or history is necessary to understanding this project? Since this is for 911, you speak of that, and any other historical information you think relevant. It must provide a detailed analysis of problem or need. Articulate precisely and carefully the problem or need that this proposal addresses. Provide evidence of the problem or need (either analysis, data, or testimony). Why do people need your kind of memorial? What will it do for them? It must contain a design and other visuals. The purpose of the design is like your previous visual argument in that you will proposal and create a picture/blueprint/drawing of the monument you are suggesting. Besides the visual of the actual proposed monument, other visuals are a high-impact way to include evidence in your proposal. Your proposal should have plenty of visual support, especially in table form. You can provide diagrams, charts, tables, and graphs to support your argument. Tables and visuals should be clearly labeled and numbered. The look of the webpage itself should incorporate the design methods we spoke of in class: Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity. Also think in terms of graphic emphasis, like highlighting key points with colors, graphics, etc. Since your webpage will be containing a lot of written information, don't forget about the value of using bulleted lists to organize and emphasize information. Boxing certain forms of information and labeling it as a figure can also help to call attention to key points. Also, you might want to provide links to some information to keep the webpage from getting too cluttered and long. You must include a discussion of your design's merits. This is the most important part of the proposal. Here is the real meat of the argument. You must give reasons to explain why your design will effectively address the need or solve the problem. Your plan should address the following questions: How did you proceed in addressing the problem or need? Why should they adopt your design? What methods did you use for your design, and why are these appropriate methods? How do you know that your design is a good one? What methods of evaluation did you apply? Did you solicit feedback and response at some stage in the project, and if so, how? You must consider opposing arguments. Consider alternative ways to achieve the desired outcome, and then discuss why these are not preferable. As always, for rebuttal, you do not have to go into a lot of detail, as this is not the focus of your proposal, but something to bring it to strengthen your argument. You must state the implications. That is, what will result from adopting your memorial? Assignment Requirements: A wepage that presents all the material outlined above An detailed explanation of the merits of your proposal Evidence and support for your argument that your proposal should be adopted Consideration of alternative views and counterarguments Incorporation of visual elements as listed above Format: All material from outside sources (direct quotations, paraphrases, etc.) MUST be cited properly using MLA guidelines. Remember that if you don’t credit the original source, you have committed plagiarism. For the purposes of the website, the location of the list of sources can be somewhere besides the traditional "Works Cited." In some form, whether it be appendix, references at the bottom, references in the text, however, all information required for an MLA entry must still be given in the MLA format. There is no word limit, but remember this is a webpage and too much will clutter it. By contrast, if not enough information is given, you will received a low grade for content. Since proposals address very specific audiences, they can take any number of forms. For this proposal, you will design a Web site that appeals to your audience. Your audience is comprised of the people that decided to choose the actual memorial that is being installed at Rielhie Plaza. Evaluation Criteria: The assignment’s point value (out of a maximum of 250 points) will be based on how successfully you meet the previously mentioned essay requirements. Papers that meet these requirements will demonstrate: Effective and persuasive explanation of the reasoning behind, and the reasons for, the adoption of your particular proposal Support that is well-reasoned and includes sufficient development (backing, evidence, logic, etc.) Logical structure and organization of ideas Effective visuals and desing Clarity of content and its arrangement Appropriate identification and approach to the specific audience Due Dates and Point Values: Participation in Group Work/Meeting Requirements: 30 points Written Content of Proposal: 150 points Visuals: 70 points The entire project is due Dec. 6 at classtime. It will be presented for the class on that day as well. TOTAL POINT VALUE: 250 points

Assignment Concept and Readings by BF Fahey
Proposal Contents from Professional Writing Online and Everything's an Argument
Adapted from M.W. Zoetewey

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