To make sure you are choosing an appropriate topic for your literary research paper, I am requiring you to turn in a prospectus. Keep in mind that a prospectus is a paragraph or two that identifies the story you have chosen to write about, the literary term you will discuss in relation to the story, your working thesis (in other words, the conclusion you have reached regarding the literary term in relation to the story), the kinds of sources you plan to consult, the problems you anticipate, and any special aspects of your project. Make sure you thoroughly and clearly provide all of these details that are indicated above in the definition of a prospectus and follow grammar rules.
Along with a prospectus, you must also submit a bibliography page, which lists all of the sources you are considering and evaluating for your research paper. As explained in the Literary Research Paper Directions, you must have at least fifteen sources you are researching. (At least six of the sources listed on your bibliography page must come from a literary reference book and/or database.) More than likely, you will not be using all of these sources; however, you should maintain a bibliography because your essay may go in a different direction later on in the writing process than you think, and you may be able to use some of the sources that you thought were useless. As you visit the library and look at databases and books, make a list of the relevant articles and books for the story and topic that you have selected.