ENGL 610
Proposal Writing
1. Catalog Entry
ENGL 610
Proposal Writing
Credit hours (3)
This online course examines several types of proposals and focuses on the development, writing, and management processes involved in submitting proposals.
2. Detailed Description of Course
To help students develop, write, and manage the processes involved in submitting proposals, ENGL 610 may organize units around the following possible topics and subtopics (in parentheses): audience and purpose analysis, stages in the proposal process (plan, research, write, revise, submit), types of proposals and their characteristics and functions (solicited vs. unsolicited proposals, formal vs. informal proposals; planning, research, sales, grants, and goods and services proposals), elements of a persuasive proposal (e.g., background information, problem statement, solution statement, discussion of benefits, research-based evidence to support claims, precise language, detailed explanations, appropriate tone, helpful visuals, accessible page design), and the structure for organizing a proposal (e.g., introduction, proposed plan, qualifications and experience, budget, conclusion, citations, plus an executive summary, table of contents, table of figures, and appendices for longer, more detailed proposals).
3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
English 610 utilizes a variety of instructional strategies, such as video lecture, online discussion board, case studies, and problem-based learning, to help students improve their understanding and composition of proposals. Students have multiple opportunities to improve their writing in response to instructor and peer feedback. Finally, because English 610 is a graduate-level course, students are expected to assume more responsibility and agency in their own learning. To this end, collaborative projects and presentations may be assigned. In completing such projects, students may be asked to write reflectively in order to foster metacognition and learning transfer; some of this reflective writing may be part of a major, end-of-term assignment for the course.
4. Goals and Objectives of the Course
Given that many enrollees are post-baccalaureate students who likely have some professional experience, the course aims to improve students’ abilities to communicate effectively and persuasively in an organizational context.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
5. Assessment Measures
Knowledge and application of course principles may assessed in a number of ways. Students plan, write, and revise a proposal. They also analyze the rhetorical, content, design, format, and other features of real-world proposals, including those they may have produced as part of their professional duties. Students may be asked to present their work and discuss their rhetorical choices with the class. At key moments in the course, students may be asked to engage in metacognitive exercises (e.g., short, reflective writing exercises) to facilitate learning transfer. When theoretical, historical, or other readings are assigned, students may participate in online discussions.
6. Other Course Information
ENGL 610 is a seven-week course offered the first half of spring semester (Spring A).
Review and Approval
March, 2016
April 1, 2024