Describe the topic you wish to pursue. Identify your purpose: Why are you interested in this topic? Identify a problem related to your topic and state it.

In what ways climate change affects physical, mental and economic health

Your topic proposal should include the following items and address the following:

1. Describe the topic you wish to pursue.

It may be somewhat broad at this point and it may imply a problem. Use the Additional Resources in your course materials to help you search for ideas.

2. Identify your purpose: Why are you interested in this topic? (Narrow your topic.)

– Specifically, explain what it is that fascinates you or draws you to this topic.
– Clearly describe the topic’s relevance in the field today.
– Identify a paper’s purpose: What might you accomplish in exploring this problem? And What is your intended goal? (To evoke change, To make new connections, or To introduce a new theory, solution, or idea)
– Is this goal realistic?
– Identify a problem within the topic and draft a problem statement. (It will likely evolve and be revised as you progress through your research.)

3. Identify a problem related to your topic and state it.

– The problem statement should be specific and indicate the focus of your final paper. (Not too narrow, not too broad)
– Intellectually challenging (a simple solution is not apparent)
– Who would benefit from a solution to this problem (who is the target population)?