musings on thesis prospectus

        Over the last week I have been trying to come up with a better idea of what my research question will be for the thesis prospectus. I know my project will have something to do with Spanish speakers. I chose this topic for several reasons. Firstly, I majored in Spanish and feel a great deal of empathy for those who have to compose in a different language in an academic situation. I know what my experience was writing in Spanish and I am curious to see if the process for Spanish-speakers is analogous. Secondly, I will most likely be teaching in California and will undoubtedly have many students who are English language learners. Knowing something about how to help them with writing will have great practical use.
           My major concern is that the question will be too big. I have already ruled out looking at the errors that Spanish speakers tend to make when writing in English, as I have been advised that this type of research has already been done. Given the focus of the class on the writing process, I have decided to look at one of its components. This makes prewriting or revising definite possibilities to explore. I am leaning toward the latter. I am debating whether to narrow the topic further by whether the Spanish speakers were born in the U.S. or abroad, or by their age, or perhaps be gender.
           I think once I have narrowed the question that the rest of the process should be relatively easier. If anyone has any thoughts I am open to ideas.