Thesis Prospectus Outline

For thesis research pursued under the direction of Dr. Richards

Program in Maritime Studies, East Carolina University

All theses must follow established ECU Graduate School requirements.  Copies of the most current Manual of Basic Requirements for Theses and Dissertations are available from the Graduate School (online at: https://libguides.ecu.edu/vireo/etd/formatting_manual). It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they are following the most recent procedural guidelines. Your prospectus must include the following:

  1. Title Page.  The title, degree sought, and a list of the thesis director and all committee members.
  2. Abstract. A summary of the proposal (less than 100 words).
  3. Introduction: An introduction to “the problem,” including a thesis question or statement.  Be sure to address what makes this question important and germane in an historical and archaeological context.  Why should you pursue this thesis research?
  4. Theory.  A description of the theoretical principles that guide your data collection process.
  5. History. A description of what other similar or pertinent work has been done in the proposed area of study.  This may relate to the subject area of the study or the subject theme.
  6. Methodology. The details of the historical, archaeological, and analytical tasks you will undertake.  Be certain to include a list and description of:
    1. Repositories and collections that will be consulted.
    2. The major reference works (books and journals) pertinent to your subject.
    3. The tools, techniques, and technologies to be utilized to answer your research questions.
  7. Reference List: This is a list of all works cited in the proposal. 
  8. Tentative Bibliography: This is an expanded list of major primary and secondary sources to be consulted during research.  As a research proposal you are advertising to your committee that you may not have read extensively in your subject area yet but are aware of the breadth of existing research.

The prospectus is a suggestion for a project and is designed to be a relatively concise statement of intended research.  If it is accepted, the next stage is a comprehensive research design that can be expanded from the prospectus.  A prospectus is also a blueprint.  We strive to adhere to it, but we can make amendments to the plan, if the amendments make sense.