How to creating a topic outline
In order to come to an agreed question and method you are expected to submit and have approved on UTS online a topic outline which includes:
- an outline of your question,
- a methodology
- a theoretical framework and
- an initial list of references.
A good topic outline will provide an important roadmap and help you develop a clear well argued essay.
Topic Outline: The Question
Your topic should formulate your major concern in a specific question or statement for discussion. It is important that you are specific in order to create a manageable area for your investigation.
Non-specific question |
Should become something like: |
Are journalists intellectuals? |
How does the work of SMH journalist Margo Kingston in her web diary project, relate to the classic definitions of the intellectual? |
Are journalistic ethics one of the defining characteristics of journalism as a professional |
Discuss the ethical and professional issues raised in the John Laws cash for comment enquiry. |
Topic Outline: Theoretical Framework
The outline should include a short description of your
- research concerns, and
- theoretical framework
For the Web Diary example you would note the variety of theories of the intellectual but might indicate you would primarily be pursuing a “Gramscian” view. You might also indicate that you would be looking at a range of theories of journalism but that theories of civic/public journalism would have particular relevance to your question.
Topic Outline: Method
You must also include a brief description of
- what data you intend to analyse,
- how you intend to collect it and
- what type of analysis you intend to undertake.
The web diary example might look something like this:
The essay will analyse two weeks of postings on Webdiary from x to x ( Is this random or does it relate to a specific period such as the beginning of the war in Iraq and if so why etc). This will be complimented by a face-to-face interview with Kingston and an email questionnaire with two of her key contributors (Again why? What do you want from these interviews?)
Topic Outline: Initial references
This would include 5 to 10 references that provide a starting point for building your theoretical framework. It would most likely include a number from the class readings but ought to include some that you have sourced independently.
