Help on a "final project" related with developing a soft starter for a triphasic induction motor (squirrel cage)

Hi.
I´m an electronic engineering student from Colombia and I´m taking a course related with Motors and starters. The final project that was assigned to me was to design and construct a soft starter for a squirrel cage induction motor (with a triphasic source). The main problem I have right now is that I don´t have any knowledge about starters and this stuff but I have to present an "schematic model" or a "block diagram" of the power and control systems involved in the construction of the soft starter. The control system must be developed with a Microcontroller, i.e. Motorola HC08 family, and the power system must be developed with solid state devices.
Can anyone give me an advice or maybe help me with some information, pdfs, websites, bibliography,etc. related with this specific topic? I´m really lost here so any help will be really appreciated ;p;
Thanks.