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Sample Prospectus
MMW 14, 15, and 122
A Few Words of Caution about this Model:
You should treat this sample as a sufficiently reliable model for the structure of your prospectus,
but you should also be aware that it is not the only possible model. Given the logic of your
particular problem, you might be able to vary the structure somewhat, e.g., by changing the order in
which arguments and counterarguments are presented. Nevertheless, while some flexibility may
well be appropriate, you need to be absolutely certain to address carefully each of the required
elements of the assignment set forth on the prompt. If you have questions about how to prepare
the prospectus, consult your TA as soon as possible.
The marginalia notes in the model are for your reference only; they are designed to help you
identify important elements of the assignment – they are the “parts” that the assignment absolutely
requires. Do do not include them in the version of the prospectus that you submit to your TA.
This document is intended primarily as a model for the substance and organization of the
prospectus. Be wary of copying the format of this document too slavishly; rather, you should follow
the MMW Style Sheet and the MLA rules set forth in your writing manual. For example, the format
for page numbering.
For a TA’s feedback on the actual argument made in this paper, please see the text following the
Works Cited page.
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Name
TA’s name/Section number
Assignment #2: Prospectus
Commented [h1]: Include your name, TA’s name, section
number, assignment number or title, date. Note the page number
must conform to MLA style (see Easy Writer, p. 206)
25 October 2011
Isaac Newton: The Forgotten Shepherd
Commented [h2]: Title (see Easy Writer, p. 206)
At the summit of the Scientific Revolution stood the father of science: Isaac
Newton. Newton bequeathed his major work to England between 1669 and 1718,
advancing profound theories of astronomy, optics, mathematics, and physics (More xi,
xii). Three centuries later, his work remains renowned for its exploration of natural
phenomena. Excluded from this common historical portrayal, however, is Newton’s
Commented [h3]: Introduction to the topic. Include what the
reader needs to know in order to understand your topic and the
problem you are about to describe.
association with religion, specifically the way in which his work reacted to and had an
impact on Christianity. Some argue that his work was heretical and promoted atheism,
while others contend that it was inspired by and integrated Christianity. Confronted with
this ambiguity, the question arises: What was the relation between Newton’s work and
Commented [h4]: Problem your research addresses and that
leads you to ask . . .
Christianity?
Commented [h5]: Research Question
One plausible answer is that Newton’s work had insidious implications for
Christianity, reflecting a negative relation. Richard Westfall elaborates that two entries in
Newton’s notebooks—titled “De Trinitate” and “Idolatria”—express his doubt in the
Commented [h6]: One plausible answer (a claim), based in
scholarship, to your Research Question. In this case, the student is
addressing counter-arguments or alternative hypotheses before
articulating his/her thesis.
Commented [h7]: Evidence to support the claim made above
Trinitarian Order, and seem to suggest that exalting Christ (son) to the status of God
(father), and assuming that he is an incarnation of the Lord, was idolatrous (qtd. in
Commented [h8]: How the evidence relates to/supports the
claim
Westfall 312-314). Westfall continues that Newton’s “heretical convictions in a society of
Commented [h9]: Citation for the evidence and scholarships
regarding the claim
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pliant orthodoxy” likely contributed to his reclusive personality (318). It makes sense,
Commented [h10]: Another reference to the scholarship
supporting this answer, including a direct quotation of verbatim
text followed by a citation.
then, that these heretical views were only publicized in 1733, years after his death (Keynes
26). In this respect, a degree of enmity characterizes the relation between Newton’s work
Commented [h11]: Reference to publication date followed by a
citation.
and Christianity. Resembling a double edged sword—a relationship caustic for both
sides—Newton’s conviction undermined a fundamental Christian belief and the
prevalence of Christianity induced the seclusion of himself and his work.
Commented [h12]: Restate this plausible answer to the
research question
Another plausible answer is that Newton’s work diverged from theological
presuppositions. In this vein, John Henry argues that Newton’s work—which he lumps
Commented [h13]: A second plausible answer to the research
question (an alternative hypothesis or counter-argument).
with that of other Scientific Revolutionary thinkers—promoted a reductionist perception
of God that was essentially indistinguishable from atheism (351). More simply, Henry
Commented [h14]: Scholarship upon which this answer is
based: John Henry’s work. Note that it is cited.
asserts that Newton’s work induced atheistic sentiments which undermined Christian
principles.
There are, however, several weaknesses to these answers. First, Westfall explores a
manuscript in which Newton writes that though Christ was not of congenital divinity,
Commented [h15]: Note that the student did not include
evidence from Henry’s scholarship to demonstrate Henry’s claim.
This may warrant a grade reduction since the assignment asks for a
reference to evidence, even from counter-arguments.
Commented [h16]: This paragraph is dedicated to rebuttals to
the answers about Newton’s disbelief or doubt (alternative
hypotheses or counter-arguments) presented above.
due to his sacrifice, he justifiably deserved the exaltation attributed to him in the Trinity.
Westfall admits that Newton became a very firm believer in the Trinity and the Christian
doctrine in general (317). Newton further implies a renewed belief in the Trinity when he
Commented [h17]: Rebuttal based on Westfall’s scholarship,
including evidence that challenges above claims.
writes that the Christians ought to learn from the Jews, who were being punished for their
failure to recognize the Messiah (cited in Westfall 320). Holistically, there is more
Commented [h18]: Rebuttal based on a second piece of
evidence from Westfall’s scholarship
evidence, as provided by Westfall himself, supporting the notion that though Newton’s
work expressed his doubts, it eventually reflected a vested belief in the Trinity. Second,
Henry’s attack on the thinkers of the Scientific Revolution glosses over Newton’s belief
Commented [h19]: Student restates how above evidence
rebuts the claims made above.
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that the order inherent in nature is a testament to the existence of a Creator (Strong 148).
Commented [h20]: A rebuttal based in the scholarship of
Strong. A piece of evidence to demonstrate this claim would make
the rebuttal even stronger.
It is reasonable to conclude that Newton had certain doubts regarding the Christian
doctrine, but an absolute rejection of God was never expressed in his work. Ultimately,
both answers are plausible but myopic in their understanding of Newton’s work.
Commented [h21]: Restatement of rebuttal.
The more plausible answer—my thesis—is that Newton’s work consistently
integrated and was largely motivated by Christian beliefs. Newton explicitly expresses
this notion in his letter to Revered Dr. Richard Bentley, in which he states: “I had an Eye
Commented [h22]: Thesis. Note that the student saved his/her
thesis until after discussing other plausible answers (counterarguments). S/he could also have stated the thesis clearly at the
beginning of the paper before discussing counter-arguments. You
will have to choose which is more effective for your paper.
upon such Principles as might work with considering Men, for the Belief of a Deity, and
nothing can rejoice me more than to find is useful for that Purpose” (qtd. in Cohen 280).
Commented [h23]: Evidence from Newton (a primary source)
supporting the thesis
What is imperative to recognize here is not simply Newton’s words, but that the
expression exists in the context of privacy. Newton has no incentive or reason to disguise
Commented [h24]: Evidence from Newton (a primary source)
supporting the thesis
his convictions, so it is extremely likely that what he expresses in the letter—religion as
an inspiration and passion—is his authentic view.
Commented [h25]: Explanation of the evidence and how it
supports the thesis
Moreover, several historians, particularly B.J.T. Dobbs, assert that Newton’s
successful scientific achievements were byproducts of religious goals (cited in Ben-Chaim
396). Ben-Chaim further expounds upon this point, arguing that Newton’s work reflects
the notion that the aim of science was to discover divine rules (397). Clearly, Newton’s
faith comprised a productive motive for conducting research. The relation of his work
Commented [h26]: Claim made by a scholar (secondary source)
to support the thesis. Student should include a piece of evidence
used by Dobbs to demonstrate why he made this claim.
Commented [h27]: Claim made by a scholar (secondary source)
to support the thesis. Student should include a piece of evidence
used by Ben-Chaim to demonstrate this claim.
with Christianity was thus a symbiotic one: Christianity evoked curiosity and inspiration
within Newton’s work, which in turn sought to solidify Christianity’s validity.
J.E. McGuire notes that Newton’s discourse on natural philosophy indicates a
fusion of scientific and religious vocabularies. It seems that Newton, evidently committed
Commented [h28]: Explanation of how these claims support
the thesis.
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in his belief in God, understood nature as a series of mathematical symbols written by
God (McGuire 295). This comprised not only an incentive to engage in mathematical
Commented [h29]: A third claim, found in the scholarship of
McGuire, to support the thesis. Student should include a piece of
evidence to demonstrate how McGuire makes this claim.
reasoning, but an inextricable bond between his work and religion. McGuire’s analysis
reaffirms the idea that Christianity assumed a significant role in motivating Newton to
compose work which supported scriptural principles.
Commented [h30]: Explanation of how this claim supports to
the thesis.
This topic is significant because it divulges the convictions and work of such a
crucial and profound individual. My thesis is significant because it illuminates the
Commented [h31]: Student attempts to discuss significance of
topic, but needs to explain why it’s important understand the
convictions and work of profound individuals, like Newton.
productive and positive presence of faith in the life of a man widely regarded for his
science. More broadly, it exemplifies that science and religion are not necessarily
diametrically opposed; rather, the two can symbiotically coexist in the pursuit of truth.
Commented [h32]: Student attempts to discuss significance of
the thesis, but needs to explain why it is important to see the
productive and positive presence of faith in Newton.
Commented [h33]: This last statement is a little stronger; it
helps us, as readers, to think differently about the categories of
science and religion and, perhaps other categories that we think are
diametrically opposed. Student might expand on this.
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Works Cited
Ben-Chaim, Michael. “The Discovery of Natural Goods: Newton’s Vocation as an
Experimental Philosopher.” The British Journal for the History of Science 34.4 (Dec.,
2001): 395-416. Web. 23 Oct. 2011.
Cohen, Bernard I. Isaac Newton’s Papers & Letters on Natural Philosophy. 2nd ed.
Cambridge: Harvard UP, 1978. Print.
Henry, John. "Scientific Revolution." Europe, 1450 to 1789: Encyclopedia of the Early
Modern World. Ed. Jonathan Dewald. Vol. 5. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons,
2004. 343-352. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 23 Oct. 2011.
Keynes, Milo. “The Personality of Isaac Newton.” Notes and Records of the Royal Society of
London 49.1 (Jan., 1995): 1-56. Web. 21 Oct. 2011.
McGuire, J.E. “Fate of the Date: The Theology of Newton’s Principia Revisited.” Rethinking
the Scientific Revolution. Ed. Margaret J. Osler. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press, 2000. 271-295. Print.
More, Louis Trenchard. Isaac Newton: A Biography. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons,
1934. Print.
Strong, E.W. “Newton and God.” Journal of the History of Ideas 13.2 (Apr., 1952): 147-167.
JSTOR. Web. 19 Oct. 2011.
Westfall, Richard S. Never at Rest: A Biography of Isaac Newton. Cambridge: Cambridge
UP, 1980. Print.
Commented [h34]: Works Cited Page on the last, separate
page of the paper. The format of the Workds Cited page must
follow MLA format, as demonstrated in this sample.
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TA Feedback to This Prospectus
Here are things that the TA asked the student to address in the final paper:

The TA who graded this prospectus cautioned the student about the Research
Question posed. Can Newton’s doubts and his Christian bent coexist? Is there a
single relation between Newton’s work and Christianity? The TA advised the student
to deal with this in the final paper.

What does the student mean by a “negative relation” in the section describing
Westfall’s scholarship? Can this be supported by evidence in scholarship, or is this a
Level 4 issue (an answer that cannot be supported with evidence in scholarship)?

The rebuttal seems to claim that because Newton did not outright reject a belief in
God, any suggestion that his work relates to doubts is “myopic.” Why can’t personal
doubts and his work coexist?

The thesis relies on the idea that Newton wouldn’t lie to a Reverend in a letter. Is this
a strong enough assumption to uphold the thesis? Is there evidence to support this?
Why wouldn’t Newton lie to the Reverend?
The TA suggests that more evidence is needed to support thesis, claims, and counterarguments.