Assignments

Assignment description.
SES #	TOPICS	ASSIGNMENTS
1	Introductions Proposal Specific Writing Issues Introduction to Information Sources	Do this Before Ses #2 Find a thesis advisor; read his/her published work; let your thesis advisor know the timeline for your proposal work. Fill out a thesis intent form and turn it in to the mechanical engineering undergraduate office. (If you have not done so already.) Get a thesis notebook. Scope the 2.ThA archives for similar projects; surf the web for similar masters/PhD proposals; use these sources to determine what sorts of background information you will need for your thesis; jot down these information requirements in a format that is legible to others. (In your notebook would be fine.) Fill out the "MadLib" thesis proposal outline. Complete the research assignment; see handout.
2	Progress Reports Follow up on Information Sources Information Sources "Hands-on" Exercise Graphics	Do this Before Ses #3 Prepare a significant draft of your thesis proposal for scrutiny in class. Emphasize the introduction and background sections. Prepare the graphics that will become your presentation slides.
3	Proposal Workshop Graphics Show and Tell About Oral Presentations	Do this Two Full Days Before Ses #4 Based on the feedback in class, revise your proposal draft; turn the draft in via e-mail to the instructor. Do this Before Ses #4 Prepare to deliver a 5 minute overview of your thesis project. Emphasize problem, motivation, context, and structure. Let the audience know what it is that they are supposed to get out of the talk.
4	Shorter, Less Formal Presentations Review of Presentations Possible Additional Topic(s)	Do this Before Ses #5 Further revise your proposal based on the instructor's feedback for workshop in class and formal peer review. Prepare the slides for your longer, more formal presentation.
5	Workshop II	Do this One Day Before Ses #6 Peer review two of your classmate's proposals. Do this Before Ses #6 and #7 Prepare to deliver your longer, more formal presentation. Do this Before Ses #7 Further revise your proposal; this draft should be nearly perfect.
6-7	Longer, More Formal Presentations Subject Evaluation Forms	Do this Before the End of Registration Day Turn in your signed thesis proposal cover sheet and your thesis proposal (hardcopy and e-copy) to the instructor.