(revised 3/2/99)
What's a portfolio?
A portfolio can be many things and have many purposes. For our class, it will be a collection of your work from this and other classes this academic year. You'll strive to compile this collection in such a manner that it highlights some aspect of your intellect that changed this year. In much the same way a paper has a thesis, a portfolio needs one as well. It may be that your thesis is to prove your intellectual growth, to examine a period or moment of enlightenment, or to showcase the finest of all your work. Whatever you choose, your portfolio should work toward supporting that thesis.
These portfolios are "reflective" because you'll be required to look at the pieces you've chosen to include and reflect on them. Furthermore, you'll have to analyze how, as a whole, the collection supports your thesis idea.
Why is it important?
Portfolios are important for a number of reasons. When we begin looking at our work as a whole, we should begin to see patterns emerging. We should also begin to think not just about the work itself, but of the work in context of our own larger issues and ideas. The patterns seen within the larger context can help us to learn more about our intellectual strengths and guide us in some of our choices.
Another strength of the reflective portfolio in a writing class is the ability to demonstrate your intelligence in a manner that is not predominately written expression. While some of the same characteristics of a formal paper are important, the evaluative process examines a wider scope. This is not to suggest that writing well is any less important. Rather, writing well can enhance an already strong portfolio.
Who will be looking at it?
Both your instructor and your colleagues will be looking at your portfolio. We'll discuss them in individual conferences, we'll workshop them in class, and we'll spend group time with them. Ideally, you will be proud of your portfolio and want to show it to others.
How is a portfolio organized?
These are your guidelines:
What are the cover letter and reflective paragraphs supposed to do?
The essential purpose of a cover letter is to present your thesis idea, to discuss the criteria for selection and judging merit, and to give evidence of self-reflection. For each piece, the reflective paragraph ties the piece into the thesis idea and the portfolio as a whole.
When is it due?
A more important question than "When is it due?" is the question: "When should I begin working on it?" You should begin working on it immediately. Start collecting work that you think you might want to include, do revisions promptly, draft reflective paragraphs early. The more work you do during the semester, the less you'll have to do at the end of the semester. Nonetheless, the following due dates apply:
Draft Due: During individual conferences, week of March 8 to March 12*
In-class Workshop: TBA
Final Version Due: May 11, 11:20 am during final examination period.
How will the portfolios be evaluated?
In regard to the particulars, the portfolio constitutes 20% of your final course grade and will be graded on an A, B, C, D, F scale; plus and minus grades will be given.
In regard to content, it'll require much of the same characteristics as a well-organized paper. All the parts need to work together to support the thesis idea, the thesis idea needs to be interesting and noteworthy, and the presentation needs to demonstrate thoughtfulness.
Any work that you revised (e.g., formal papers, informal essays, e-journals, etc.) will be reevaluated and the new grade will be record both for the essay and for that segment of the overall course grade.
What else do I need to know?
This document is merely a preliminary delineation of the assignment. As the semester progresses, we'll add more details, possibly modify the requirements, and refine the expectations for evaluation. Nonetheless, several criteria will be consistent throughout the process:
A final note
This portfolio, while it does have some parameters to be followed, is your opportunity to demonstrate your intellectual strengths. Take advantage of the opportunity. If you have an idea for a portfolio that seems different that what has been discussed here, talk with me. I'm always open to alternatives and will do my best to accommodate your ideas.
*For your conference the week of March 12, you need:
- Submit a draft cover letter (approximately one page)
- Have your preliminary thesis idea, including
- List the pieces you've chosen to include thus far (bring those pieces to your conference)
- A brief explanation of how each one of those pieces supports your thesis idea.
If you do not have these documents, expect your final portfolio grade to be affected.
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