The Portfolio and Theory of Writing, required in all sections of composition, are in many ways the most important documents that you’ll create for this class. Assembling the Portfolio will help you to see your progress as a writer over the course of the semester, and the Self-Assessment Essay will give you the chance to evaluate that work based on your own criteria as well as the course learning objectives.
The Portfolio
The Portfolio should include, at a minimum, your Theory of Writing (see below); revised and edited versions of your Source-Based Essay, Inquiry-Based Essay, Composition in Two Genres; and any additional documents (or portions of documents) you composed over the semester that help you demonstrate the extent to which you’ve met the course learning objectives and developed your understanding of writing and argument.
For instance, in addition to providing polished versions of your essays, you might want to include drafts of essays, examples from homework, peer reviews, etc. Or, you may want to include copies of your annotations of course texts or copies of the notes you took while reading to demonstrate that you have developed strategies for critical reading. To demonstrate that your drafting process has changed, you might want to include a draft from an early and a late assignment that illustrate changes in your drafting process.
The portfolio will be housed on CUNY’s Academic Commons. Be aware of the privacy settings, and make your choices according to your own comfort level. While the arrangement of the portfolio is up to you, it should be easy to navigate. As with any Web site, you want to be able to find what you’re looking for without any interference. This might mean scanning handwritten notes, taking screenshots of annotated Web sites, and turning your essays into. PDFs or Web texts.
Theory of Writing
Reflection allows us the opportunity to process knowledge and then apply that knowledge. Through reflection, we can come to an understanding and interpret what we have learned. This semester, on several occasions, we have used reflection in this way; in this final assignment, you will return to this definition of reflection.
Through your application of key rhetorical terms–rhetorical situation, audience, author, tone, purpose, genre, medium, stance, and language–you have been developing your theory of writing and exploring how it informs your practice of writing. We have also engaged in several writing strategies–brainstorming, peer review, and revision. As a result of your work with these rhetorical concepts and writing strategies, you have had the opportunity to create a knowledge base of writing and its practices.
In this final reflection (1000 – 1250 words), you will be returning to your theory to discuss several questions, including (but not limited to):
- Define your theory of writing. Using the key terms and strategies, describe what you believe it is important to know about writing.
- What was your theory of writing coming into this class? How has your theory of writing evolved with each piece of composing?
- What has contributed to your theory of writing most?
- What is the relationship between your theory of writing and how you create(d) knowledge?
- How might your theory of writing be applied to other writing situations both inside and outside the classroom?
For each of these questions, you will need to support your ideas with your previous writing in this course and, through these examples, interpret what you have learned. You will create a compelling argument for whatever you decide to write for this, supported by evidence and analysis of the work completed in class this semester. In addition, you will choose a genre to work in–letter, email, essay, journal entry, or any genre you want that you feel best represents your goals for your reflection and then explain why you chose that genre.
This final reflection is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your increased knowledge in writing–the practices of writing, the key terms, and any specific skills you’ve acquired. Think of this piece as another move in the evolution of your theory of writing, and as a chance for you to fully explore yourself as a writer and maker of knowledge.
Sample Essays
- “My Writing Journey: This One’s for All the Little Dreamers” by Lauren Heng
- “Finding Myself Through Writing” by Gabriella Pieniadz
- “Some Fundamental Truths I Learned About Writing (the Hard Way!)” by Shamecca Harris
Submission
Post Final Portfolio link to Blackboard no later than Monday, December 14th at 11:59pm.
Evaluation Rubric
- Does your reflection follow the conventions of your chosen genre? Does it take on the general shape and contours of that genre? (i.e. title, structure, language, etc.) — 5%
- Have you defined a ToW that uses the key rhetorical terms that we have used in this class? — 20%
- Have you described a change (or a lack of change) in your ToW over time? — 10%
- Have you described the influences on your ToW? — 10%
- Have you described how your ToW functions across writing contexts, both inside and outside the classroom? — 10%
- Do you support your ideas with your previous writing in this course and, through these examples, interpret what you have learned? — 25%
- Have you proofread your work for grammar and mechanical errors? — 5%
- Does your portfolio design engaging, thoughtful and uniquely presented? — 5%
- Does your portfolio include all of the written assessments for this course? — 10%
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