Background:
Generally speaking, a research proposal “is a concise and coherent summary of your proposed research. It sets out the central issues or questions that you intend to address. It outlines the general area of study within which your research falls, referring to the current state of knowledge and any recent debates on the topic” (University of Birmingham). In this sense, you can think of your proposal as a very rough draft of an introductory paragraph- the paragraph that guides your essay. Keep in mind that during the process, there can and will be changes.   The proposal is a starting point.  As you research, select your articles and think about your paper, you might uncover something you did not think of earlier. 
Components of a Research Proposal:
The informal research proposal should include a discussion of your proposed topic, a rationale for studying this topic, and a tentative plan for how you will conduct the research. The proposal should be no less than 1 page and no more than 2 pages in length. It should include the following:
Introduction and Rationale: This is brief and general info about the subject/field/area in which you are exploring. Explain why you believe this particular issue is significant, or important for us to know. You want to explain here why this is something people should consider, know, learn more about, etc.
Background (Exigence) of the phenomenon, problem, movement, group, idea, etc. Explain who was impacted or affected by the topic. This may be related to our society socially, politically, and/or economically.
Research Question (if you have one at this point)
Methodology: How do you plan to pursue this inquiry? 
Requirements:
MLA/APA formatted document
Length: 300-500 words
Appropriate use of italics or quotations for text titles 
Appropriate use of parentheticals when applicable