The Washington Semester

Research Project Proposal

St. Olaf requires all its Washington Semester students (with the exception of those enrolled in the International Environment and Development Semester) to complete an independent research project supervised by an American University faculty member. Please provide typed responses to the following questions; you may attach a separate sheet if you prefer. In addition, please attach a prospective bibliography including at least seven scholarly books and/or journal articles pertaining to your research topic. Return this form with your program application materials to the Office of International and Off-Campus Studies.

1. What is the general topic or problem area you wish to study?

2. What specific aspects of the problem do you wish to investigate?

3. What are the specific questions you hope to answer or hypotheses you wish to test in your research?

4. List at least three specific primary sources on site in Washington (e.g., legislative staff members, executive agency personnel, interest group representatives, etc.) you anticipate contacting as part of your investigation.