P&O

        The purpose of a research proposal is to “convince others that you have a worthwhile research project,” (Personal Meaning).  In the research proposal you need to outline what you are going to write.  Making sure to put enough information in your proposal about what the readers can expect.  This will give your audience a chance to gather insight about what you intend to write about and what they can expect to learn from it.  All research proposals should answer the following questions: “ what you plan on accomplishing, why you want to write this paper, and how you plan are doing it,” (Personal Meaning).  You want to make sure your ideas come across in a clear fashion and explain fully about what you plan on accomplishing by writing this paper.

http://www.meaning.ca/archives/archive/art_how_to_write_P_Wong.htm

             “An outline is formal system used to think about and organize your paper,” (Univ. of Washington).  There are two different kinds of outlines.  The first outline is a topic outline.  A topic outline is composed of short phrases.  This type of outline is handy when you are dealing with a “number of different issues,” (Univ. of Washington).  The second type is a sentence outline.  When writing a sentence outline you use complete sentences.  This outline is useful for when you are trying to “focus on a complex topic,” (Univ. of Washington).  Both outlines consist of the same basic thing.  They both need to identify the topic and identify the categories.  Once you have identified the categories you want to identify the subcategories to provide support.

 http://depts.washington.edu/psywc/handouts/pdf/outline.pdf

Reference List

             How to make an Outline. (2005, April 06). Retrieved from http://depts.washington.edu/psywc/handouts/pdf/outline.pdf  

            Wong, P. T. (n.d.). How to Write a research proposal. Retrieved from http://www.meaning.ca/archives/archive/art_how_to_write_P_Wong

 

Heather Caldwell

Engl. 202-36

Professor Harrison

11 February 2010

Proposal

Question: What is the true outcome of interracial dating and society’s judgment on it?

 

       The world we live in today has many preconceptions about interracial dating.  Many people feel that when it comes to dating; people should date within their own race.  Society has created an unwritten law when it comes to this issue.  People feel that because someone dates someone of another race, the relationship will fail.  They feel the need to judge these people and think that they are better than them.  Interracial couples are often seen as outcasts in not only society; but also within smaller groups such as friends or families.

            I am very interested in learning more about this topic because it affects me in my everyday life.  I am currently in an interracial relationship; my boyfriend happens to be Indian and I am Caucasian.  I often realize people looking at us when we go to dinner or a movie.  Personally to me it is no big deal, you should be with the person that makes you happy.  Both of our families have adapted very well to our decision.  Our families and friends support the both of us in our relationship.  My boyfriend and I have no reservations about interracial dating. 

            There is often a clash between religion and culture.  My boyfriend comes from a traditional Indian family while I come from a conservative white American household.  In an interracial relationship, compromises must be made in regards to religion and culture.  Things such as praying before meals, clothes to wear, and holidays are dictated by traditions.  For example, a typical Indian wedding last anywhere from two to five hours and is filled with many customs.  A Catholic wedding is usually very simple and last roughly an hour.  This clash is not limited to just weddings.  A second example is the difference in opinion about displays of affection.  Indian people have the belief that a kiss is reserved for the one you marry and do not believe in dating until you are ready to marry.  My Catholic upbringing has taught me that it is ok to date to find the one you love and a kiss is a simple gesture.  These differences prove that in an interracial relationship, the couple must compromise.

            I decided to write about this topic because it affects me in a personal way.  People are quick to judge yet know nothing of what is truly there.  I am fortunate to have family and friends that are understanding.  Not every interracial couple is fortunate to be so well accepted.  I hope that with this paper, I can reach at the very least one person and show them that interracial couples are not to be chastised and can survive and grow in our society.

             Outline

1.)    Introduction

         a. Explain what interracial dating is

          b. Background about my experiences with it

2.)    Main Body

          a. How society views interracial datin

                     i.      Why people feel they can judge people in interracial relationships

                     ii.      The judgment they place on interracial relationships

                     iii.      Opinions about interracial dating

      b. The challenges of being in an interracial relationship

                        i.      Clash of cultures and religion

                        ii.      Lifestyles

                       iii.      Family opinions

                       iv.      Marriage

3.)    Conclusion

          a. My methods of research

            b. My results