You will present a two-page proposal for your independent research project.  The goal of a research proposal is twofold: to present and justify the need to study a research problem and to present the practical ways in which the proposed study should be conducted. The design elements and procedures for conducting research are governed by standards of the history discipline, therefore, the guidelines for research proposals are more exacting than a general project proposal. They must provide persuasive evidence that a need exists for the proposed study. The research proposal will be a starting point for your research project.  You will be able to change your proposal later in the term, but this application must be acceptable before I can grade your other two assignments for the research project.