The Context & Purpose
It's time to start narrowing down your Clemson-related research topic and explaining what you want to say about it! Thus far, you've located a field of interest and have acquainted yourself with some of the literature surrounding this issue. The next step is figuring out what to do with this information and describing your intentions in a three-minute video-mediated research proposal.
Keep in mind that your topic, while stemming from a personal interest, is about Clemson and will address a broader audience. The goal is to compose a well-reasoned and well-supported argument that helps move this audience toward understanding instead of conflict. Also note that you will be conveying your final research in the form of a scholarly video essay. For this proposal assignment, you'll need to articulate how you plan to address your topic, this audience and video production.
The Task
Content for Your Proposal
The content of your proposal must address the following questions:
- What have I uncovered? What information is relevant from your rhetorical analysis and annotated bibliography? How does that information set the stage for this research project?
- What do I want to say? Based on the uncovered information, what do you want to know more about regarding your topic? What research questions are driving your inquiry, and what additional scholarly or popular sources will you research to help build your argument?
- Why is this important? What are the broader issues or implications of your research? Why do these matter to you and your readers?
- How will I outline my argument? What's the general flow of your argument? In what style do you plan to deliver your argument?
Delivery Logistics
Please deliver your answers to the above questions in a 3-minute video, edited in the style you hope to emulate in your final research video essay. Know that your instructor is not looking for a perfect video production. The content of your script is far more important than the video editing; however, use this assignment as an opportunity to begin experimenting with video production. Test things—be open to trial and error. Most importantly, don't leave this assignment to the last minute. Video production, especially for first-time learners, involves a learning curve. Technology can be finicky. Thus, give yourself time to learn editing software, to make mistakes, and to find viable solutions.
Resources
Open-source music: YouTube Audio Library | Ben Sound | Free Music Archive
Open-source video clips: Videvo | Pexels | Pixabay
Reservation links: Adobe Digital Studio | Education Media Lab | Technology Request
Suggested rentals: Computer Snowball (microphone), Zoom H1n (voice recorder), any DSLR or camcorder, tripod
Requirements
Your video research proposal must
- Be 3 minutes (with 30 seconds of leeway, under or over).
- Address all of the listed questions.
- Include a full transcript of your narration (must be word-for-word).
- Strategically incorporate music and clear visuals.
- Optional: a Dear Reader letter that describes your production process and explains any discrepancy your video may include.
Mentor Texts
I HIGHLY recommend locating a video essay on YouTube that you admire and try to imitate the production strategies you see.
Credits:
Created with images by Trevor Brown - "Sponsored by Canon" • Peter Stumpf - "Video editing timeline in Premiere Pro" • Emma Matthews Digital Content Production - "Black and White Desk Flat Lay"