Individualized Project:
Some Guidelines
Department of Classics, Monmouth College

How to begin:

Consider TOPIC, not PRODUCT first.

1. Think about material in the course which is of particular interest to you and about which you would like to learn more.

2. Do some preliminary research on this topic on the web and in the library. Be sure to consult books and journal articles as well as webpages. You may have to order some material on inter-library loan. Please do not wait until the last minute to do this. The best projects will be ones which demonstrate good and varied research materials.

3. Use this preliminary research and reflection to consider approaches that you can use to present your topic and how (i.e., in what medium) you plan to do so.

4. You are now ready to write the prospectus.

Prospectus for Individualized project should include the following information:

1.) a paragraph describing the topic you are pursuing;

2.) a summary of what you have done so far and plan to do to prepare this topic;

3.) an annotated bibliography of resources you have consulted or plan to consult. Annotated means that you will add two or three sentences noting how you think you can use the information in this resource for your project;

4.) a short paragraph describing how you plan to present this project; i.e., what medium (paper, artwork, webpage, etc.) do you plan to use and why.

The central product of this project can take the form of a research paper, creative writing, artwork, website or any other work which deals with material covered in course readings or discussions.

NOTE: Course books can be cited in the bibliography but only as complements to at least ten additional works. The quality of the material consulted will significantly affect the grade. It is highly recommended that a variety of resources be consulted, including books, journals, and websites. Heavy reliance on a single kind of resource (especially encyclopedia articles) is not advised.

Here are two samples of good individualized project. Many thanks to the authors for allowing me to share them.
Durante / Sullivan / Widdop / Logan


Here is the form which illustrates how your project will be graded. Note: This form may be modified slightly in actual use.

Back to Individualized Project

This material has been published on the web by Prof. Tom Sienkewicz for his students at Monmouth College. If you have any questions, you can contact him at toms@monm.edu.

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