Proposal Development

In the project option students are required to write a research proposal for applied study. Among other traditional proposal elements, it includes a summary of supporting literary resources that define the context and support the significance of the project in relation to a specified audience. This proposal is developed in the AAD Proposal Seminar the fall quarter of the second year. Before proceeding with the project, students selecting this option are required to have a completed proposal approved by the program faculty. The proposal may be deemed incomplete or more appropriately pursued as a thesis or capstone. A revised proposal will be required which may result in extending the student's program of study. If the proposal is approved, a minimum of two additional terms is spent developing, implementing and documenting the project. This requires students to register for a minimum of 6 hours of Research credits, beyond the AAD Proposal Seminar.

The expected outcome of the project option is a product (e. g. a guidebook, a website, a video, a curriculum, a set of educational materials) and an academic document that includes the usual parts of a research paper (see proposal outline components). The paper should focus clearly on the single purpose presented in the proposal. It should have a focused synthesis of literature related to the purpose. Depending on the type of project, the documentation may be 20-50 pages and should present the outcomes of the project. The project is approved by the project director, orally presented in a public forum, and a form of completion submitted to the UO Graduate School. The project document is submitted to the AAD Program.

The proposal should include the usual parts of an academic proposal. The following sections should be complete and well done.

Problem:
Provide an explanation of the larger context and background of the inquiry as it relates to the field of arts management. A clear statement of the problem to be investigated should be presented.

Purpose:
State the specific purpose of the project (e. g. What do you intend to do? Clearly state the scope and scale of the project.) What form will the results of the study take? This section may be regarded as the intent of the study.

Significance of Study:
What is the significance of this particular project? How is it significant to the field of study, to a particular audience or circumstance?

Limitations/Definitions
Describe the limits of the study. What is the rationale of the limits (e.g.Why did you choose 1990 - present for selection of supporting references in that topic area. Why and how did you choose the interviewees?)

Include definitions of important terms. For terms that may be defined in a variety of ways provide a rationale for your choice.

Literature Review and Annotated Bibliography
Review key references/resources: Briefly summarize current knowledge (published works) in your topic area.

Present an annotated bibliography covering main areas to be addressed in the study. Include references in correct APA format, criteria used to select each reference specific content, explanation of how it informs this project.

Methods/Procedures
This includes research methods and approaches, procedures and processes to be used to implement the project. How are you going to accomplish the project? This section should be well referenced.

Time Line
A realistic, detailed timeline for the development of the project should be included.