1. After having come up with a topic which seems to be applicable to another class assignment or one that seems to elicit a certain amount of interest from you, please state that topic in general terms.

 TOPIC:____________________________________________________________

2. Now formulate three open-ended questions for which you might wish answers which relate to this general topic.

 A.________________________________________________________________

     ________________________________________________________________

 B.________________________________________________________________

    ________________________________________________________________

 C.________________________________________________________________

    ________________________________________________________________

3. The three questions you have asked in #2 most likely treat different aspects of the general topic you have chosen. How much material is available in the Library on the various aspects of the topic according to the questions you have asked? Do a subject search on the online catalog to determine how many there are in the RSS Library in each area based on the questions you have asked.

  Aspect of Topic     No. of Books

 A._______________________________   ______________________

 B._______________________________   ______________________

 C._______________________________   ______________________
 

4. Now check the College of Charleston Undergraduate Bulletin. Does your general topic in some way, however slight, relate to a course which is taught at the College of Charleston? The reason for checking the Bulletin is that the Library's book collection directly reflects the courses which are offered at the College. List below at least one course which possibly related to your topic. Be creative!

 Course Number:____________________   Course Title:_________________________
 

5. Of the three questions presented in #2, choose one which you hope to research. Please write it down below.

 _____________________________________________________________________

 Any reasons why? ("Nope" won't suffice.)

 _____________________________________________________________________

 _____________________________________________________________________

 _____________________________________________________________________
 

6. State your research question in the form of a "working" thesis statement. Remember to strive to include all the qualities of a formal thesis statement.

 ____________________________________________________________________

 ____________________________________________________________________