There are three possible grades to earn on your portfolio, and each one depends on the level of effort and effectiveness you reach:
- The "C" portfolio (375 points)
- The "B" portfolio (425 points)
- The "A" portfolio (475 points)
The "C" Portfolio:
Three papers, three-source bibliography. If the portfolio contains your cover letter, three essays of 1,000+ words each with at least two 300-word responses to each paper from your peers, and a three-source annotated bibliography, you will receive a "C" on the portfolio (cover letter, 3 essays, 3-source annotated bibliography, 8 peer responses)
The "B" Portfolio:
Three papers, three revised papers, five-source bibliography, revised bibliography, conference proposal. If the portfolio contains everything required for the "C" portfolio, and (a) all three essays have been revised and edited so that they are substantially free of grammar and proofreading errors and logic/rhetorical confusion, (b) a 300-word analysis/reflection for each essay about the improvements you made, (c) a five-source, error-free annotated bibliography, and (d) a conference proposal for a presentation, you will receive a "B" on the portfolio (cover letter, 3 essays, 5-source annotated bibliography, 8 peer responses, 4 error-free revisions, 4 "B" self-reflections, conference proposal).
The "A" Portfolio:
Three papers, three revised papers, seven-source bibliography, revised bibliography, conference proposal, finished presentation. To receive an "A" on the portfolio, it must contain everything required for the "B" portfolio and the following: (a) a seven-source, error-free annotated bibliography and (b) a finished presentation that is conference-ready (cover letter, 3 essays, 7-source annotated bibliography, 8 peer responses, 4 error-free revisions, 4 "B" self-reflections, conference proposal, finished presentation).
The Analytical Cover Letter:
- This cover letter will request my evaluation of your work in a professional and formal way, just as you would ask a potential employer to look at a resume.
- In the first paragraph, introduce your project by discussing (1) your general impression of your achievement this semester, (2) what I will find in your portfolio, and (3) what grade you plan for the portfolio to earn. Note: Portfolios that do not earn a "C" are not eligible for a "B," and portfolios that do not earn a "B" are not eligible for an "A."
- In the last paragraph, offer some general comments about your experience in the course and thank me for the opportunity to work on this project.
- The paragraphs between should explain your achievement more specifically on each of the papers. Explain your goals with each paper, your revision choices, and how your changes moved the paper along a path of improvement. Dedicate one paragraph to each paper.
- One more paragraph before the last should analyze yourself as a writer. Discuss some achievements, some ongoing problems with your writing, and some continuing goals you have set for yourself as a writer, based on your experience this semester.
- Your cover letter should be single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman, 1" margins and follow the format of a professional business letter. The letter should fill at least two complete pages: The date of submission on the first line and your name, following "Sincerely," on the last.
- Find template here.
Annotated Bibliography:
- However many sources you choose to include in your portfolio, you will write a two-paragraph commentary on each one A source can be a lengthy magazine article, a journal article, or a book chapter.
- But before you write any commentaries, you first have to select some sources. You can use various tools to search for potential sources, but you will need an idea to guide your final selection. Think of a research question that represents an interest you have regarding the intersection of computer technology and culture. The sources you choose should represent different approaches to addressing the particular issue you are targeting. The question you raise will be the focal point of your search for sources.
- You'll know a source is worth writing a commentary on if it offers insight that can help an intelligent person address your question. The connection does not have to be direct--you should not look for answers to your question. Rather, stay open to connections that are indirect, insightful. Then you can use your intelligence to make the connection clear.
- Each commentary will start with a citation of the source (MLA style) and then have exactly two equal-length paragraphs that total at least 300 words.
- The first paragraph should identify an idea in the source (some point the author makes) that pertains to your research question. Explain this idea as the author presents it.
- The second paragraph should explain how that idea contributes to intelligent thinking about the question. How does the author's idea help you consider your question from a different angle, without actually answering the question? What does this idea bring to a discussion of your question?
- Above your commentaries should be an introduction that includes and explains your research question. How did you arrive at it, and why is it important?
Conference Proposal:
- Once you finish your commentaries, you should write a conference proposal for a presentation. This one-page document will explain your research question and what you hope to discuss about your question based on the sources you collected. How did you arrive at your research question, and why is it important? You don't have to have an answer for your question, but you do need to demonstrate that the question calls for several important considerations. So imagine that you will be giving an oral presentation to a group of students and faculty. How can you sell your idea so that you are selected to present at the conference?
