Conference Proposal (CARS Model)
Develop a proposal (300-800 words) that responds to the 2016 4Cs call for proposals or the 2017 4Cs call for proposals. Use John Swales’s create a research space (CARS) model as an organizing principle to meet the criteria included in CFP, which are listed below.
- Connection to disciplinary contexts, issues, and practices. Is the proposal situated contextually in writing theory, the field’s research traditions, current issues, and/or practices? The connection to one or more of these and to the field’s broader identities, research, and interests should be clear to reviewers.
- Focus. Does the proposal seem focused enough for the time available, keeping in mind the need to engage audiences in discussion? Reviewers should be able to readily understand the proposal’s primary question or the idea it will explore and see potential for interaction among presenters and attendees related to that focus.
- Innovation. Does the proposal establish new ground or point wider implications or new questions based in research and experience, rather than just describing “what I did”? Reviewers should be able to identify what is new, different, and exciting about the proposal.
- Action orientation. Does the proposal specify and elaborate on major issues and ask questions about or propose actions that others might take in relation to the issue(s)? The proposal should make clear the opportunities that are opened through consideration of its question or focus.
- Audience engagement. Does the proposal outline what attendees will take away from the session in specific ways?