Term Project Proposal: Economics of Sustainability, Spring 2011

The syllabus for SUST64001 defines the term project proposal: A term paper (or other approved project) proposal of 2 or 3 pages @ 8 points with (1) a succinct theme paragraph and highlighted theme sentence; (2) an outline or strategy as to how the project will be conducted and presented; (3) a list of at least 4 supportive sources that indicate the availability of research resources; (4) and a statement of how you feel about the proposed project. The grading will be weighed @ 4 points for integration and @ 4 points for content. The proposal directly supports the term paper described below. The proposal is due by class on February 28 and will be returned by class time on March 7.

Note: I have provided a sample proposal of a project that I will contribute to SUST64001, Economics of Sustainability.

Follow these instructions for your proposal please:

1. The project title and subtitle should be carefully chosen and presented. The subtitle, separated by a colon, provides a needed clue to the reader. The subtitle often gives definition or specificity to the more general title. For example: Carbon Emissions Trading: The Australian Initiative.
2. The theme paragraph should be concise and focused, typically consisting of only three or four sentences. The theme sentence should be highlighted. Regard it as the short definition of your project, a guide to your work.
3. Provide at least 4 sources that support the topic, more is better. This demonstrates to me that you can discover supporting material and that you can perform the research. The sources display more specifically what you intend to do. 
4. Tell my how you feel about the project. This can be an intuitive response that helps both of us gauge your intention and level of confidence.

I will grade the proposal on two criteria, each carrying 4 points:

1. Integration: the proposal possesses coherence and internal consistency. It hangs together.
2. Content: There is substance to the proposal and demonstrates a solid basis in reality. There is stuff here.

The proposal should get to me as an attachment to my Gmail account, wkhayes@gmail.com, by class time on February 28 so that I can return it on March 7, our last class before spring break. This may provide you with some time to begin your research, thought, and composition.  I have found this process to be helpful  to define and to begin a strong project.