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Annotated Core 4/Portfolio Description

The following is an annotated description of Core 4 and the Portfolio. Annotations are based on in-class discussions and Q&A sessions.

Final Paper and Portfolio

Core Four Assignment

Overview:

Core 4 is a culmination of everything that you have done in the class so far. You will demonstrate:

·         That you understand the major goals of this writing course

·         That you can analyze your own work in an academic fashion

·         How you have grown as a writer, citing specific aspects of your work and highlighting accomplished goals of the class

You will do this by writing a 12-15 page paper on the controversy that you picked. You may reuse or “cannibalize” parts or even whole segments of the previous three Cores to write this paper.

Because this and the Final Portfolio will be turned in at the same time, both will be discussed here.

Course Skills Demonstrated:

·         To understand the components of an academic argument and how to analyze those arguments

o        Dissecting arguments and critically reading them

o        Identifying the assumptions of the authors of various texts

·         To understand rhetorical context and situation

o        Studying a discourse community of the student’s choosing

o        Analyzing the community’s beliefs and how they play into arguments

·         To read and study academic argument

o        Understanding the difference between effective and ineffective writing

·         To understand what we are reading and later contribute to the conversation

o        Understanding that research is inquiry, not absorption

·         To practice how to locate and evaluate primary and secondary sources

o        Understanding why this is important

·         To develop a writing process that incorporates revision strategies

o        Understanding the difference between “revision” and “editing”

·         To become a better critical thinker

o        Using the above principles and exercises to better evaluate arguments both in and out of school

·         To gain confidence as a writer

Grades for this core will be based on your demonstrating these skills.

Note: This section, Course Skills Demonstrated, is the Portfolio Rubric

Canons Demonstrated in This Core:

Memory/ Delivery

Portfolio Details

Contents:

Core 4 will be in a binder and will be divided into the following chapters using standard binder dividers:

        i.            Cover Page

       ii.            Self-Reflection Paper

     iii.            Introduction

     iv.            Essay (Insert Title of Essay Here)

      v.            Bibliography

     vi.            Appendix A: Writing Journal

a.       Core 1

b.       Core 2

c.        Core 3

d.       Core 4

   vii.            Appendix B: Research Plans

  viii.            Appendix C: Annotated Outline

Contents Details

Cover Page:

A front cover with:

·         your name

·         date the project is due

·         course number

This will be before the first divider in the binder and the first thing I see when I open the binder.

What else should I include?

                You may include anything else you feel I need to know before I start to grade, including but not limited to:

·         The title of your paper

·         The thesis of your paper

·         How many revisions are included

·         Any notes you feel I need

Self-Reflection Paper:

A reflection piece that discusses:

·         What you learned in this class

·         What you learned from the readings in this class

·         What you learned about research

·         What you learned about argument

·         How you used this knowledge to write your Core 4

Note That:

·         These comments should be specifically related to your writing and your responses to class discussions online or face to face.

·         This is the replacement for your end-semester conference; be as thorough as possible.

Introduction:

This will contextualize the main paper by defining and discussing the discourse community in question and the controversy that will be the focus of the paper.

This will be either a graded Core 1 or a revision of Core 1 if you were given permission.

Note on Revisions: Revisions included in the portfolio follow the same rules as revisions turned in all semester, i.e. include all previous drafts, rubrics, and  a revision report or annotations describing what you changed and why.

Essay:

A traditional 12 page paper, double spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font in proper MLA.

By now your project should have a title that:

·         Reflects your topic

·         Reflects your thesis

·         Catches the attention of the audience you are trying to reach

This paper will:

·         Have a strong, obvious thesis, or core argument that the paper supports

·         Define the context for this argument, why this argument is being made and how this will benefit those involved

·         Use appropriate research to prove the various aspects of the argument

·         Meet the professional standards of an academic argument, i.e.

·         Being both representative and respectful of opposing views

·         Using appropriate diction or word-choice (no slang, leet speak, etc unless appropriate)

·         Works within a specific discourse community and understands its audience

·         Follow the various heuristics, or guidelines, that the class has outlined

Option Two: “Real World” Application

When considering your audience for this paper, you may find that a traditional academic paper would not be convincing to the people you wish to address. If approved by your instructor, you may then choose to do one of the following:

1) Construct a non-traditional project for communicating your thesis, such as a video, an information campaign, a website, etc.

2) Create a detailed description of such a project, such as the storyboards for a video, a plan for an information campaign, the planned layout of a website, etc.

If taking one of these two options, will also include an 8 page paper, double spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font in proper MLA format discussing why you chose this specific format, using the vocabulary of the class and your research to discuss how this project effectively conveys your thesis to your chosen audience.

Bibliography:

A literal cut-and-paste of Core Three’s bibliography with any new sources added and/or unused sources removed. Should be 10-20 sources total.

Appendix A: Writing Journal

The Writing Journal should include all the Journal entries found in the above cores, along with a new entry for Core 4 that discusses the classwork for Core 4 and the semester as a whole. This cumulative Core 4 Writing journal should contain your analysis of how the classwork helped/hurt your writing overall and what techniques you will be using/ avoiding in other classes.

Each of these Cores will have its own section along with its own divider in the binder.

This is graded on thoroughness; more detail is better.

Note: Classwork cannot be revised, including Writing Journals

Appendix B: Research Plans

The graded copy of Core 2 (or a revision if you were given permission) along with a brief cover letter explaining how well you feel your plans went. Did you stick to the plans, or were there instances where you strayed? Did the plans help or hinder your work efforts?

To make this easier, take notes as you write Core 4 whenever you use Core 2.

Note: If you desire, you may use annotations instead of a cover letter. If you choose to use annotations, please make them clearly visibly distinct from the Core.

Appendix C: Annotated Outline

The graded copy of Core 3 (or a revision if you were given permission) along with a brief cover letter explaining how the outline affected your work. Did the outline help you organize the paper or was it a hindrance? What did you learn from doing the outline? Does your Core 4 paper look like the outline or were there radical changes? Why or why not?

To make this easier, take notes as you write Core 4 whenever you use Core 3.

Note: If you desire, you may use annotations instead of a cover letter. If you choose to use annotations, please make them clearly visibly distinct from the Core.

How You Are Evaluated:

·         Is this portfolio convincing? Is there enough evidence? Is the evidence used properly?

·         Do all the parts of the portfolio come together to paint a coherent picture?

·         Does each part follow the above criteria?

·         Is each part polished and edited properly?

·         Is the work in MLA format where applicable?

·         Did you come to your Core 4 conference prepared and talk intelligently about your project?

·         Does the portfolio follow the heuristics of the class?

Remember:

·         Core Four must meet the Universal Requirements for All Four Cores outlined above, except that the folder is replaced with the binder as detailed above.

·         Remember the individual requirements for each section as outlined above. Double-check each before turning the portfolio in.

·         Use correct MLA format

·         Remember the page number minimum for Core 4: 12 pages.

·         Submit your paper on time: Monday, April 25^th in my office (CNH 304B) on the black bookcase. Note that the office is open from 8am to 5pm; you must turn in your binder in that time.

Final Exam

There will be no final exam in this class. Instead, you may pick up your graded portfolio during your exam time. I will be in my office handing out portfolios and answering any questions you might have about your grades.

Portfolio Pick-Up Times

All portfolios will be picked up at the same time: Monday, 5/2 from 10:00am – 4:50pm.

Alternate Times: If you need to pick up your portfolio earlier, let me know and you may schedule an appointment.

Writing Journal For Core 3 and Conference

Writing Journal
March 21: Core 3 Independent Work
March 25: MLA Exercise
March 30: Core 3 Rough Draft

Conference Questions:
1) What is your thesis?
2) What research have you done?
3) How is your paper structured? Why? (i.e. walk me through your outline)
4) Miscellaneous questions from the readings/classwork
5) Miscellaneous questions about the class/student performance.

Portfolio Packet

Since several of you have asked, here is a link to a digital copy of the portfolio packet. Be sure to check with it so that you complete Core 3 and 4 correctly. Also, don't forget the Universal Requirements for all 4 Cores at the top of the document.

Core 3 and 4 Schedule

Note: Any changes will be announced in class.

	Monday	Wednesday	Friday
March 21, 23, 25	Go over rough drafts of annotated bibliography.	Go Over Schedule Drafting the Cover Letter for Core 3.	Annotations Tutorial Followed by Annotations Drafting MLA Day Homework: Go over the citations for online, journal and book sources Bring: MLA guide Lecture and Exercises On: -Works Cited Page -Library Overview
March 28, 30, April 1	Core 2 Return and Overview Discuss getting from Core 2 to Core 3 and 4.	Core 3 Review Rough Drafting in Groups	Core 3 Due Today By the Beginning of Class Core 4 Overview and Discussion Note: If you want revisions back quickly, then this is the last day to turn them in.
April 4, 6, 8	Core 3/4 Conferences	Core 3/4 Conferences	Core 3/4 Conferences
April 11, 13, 15	Tools v Rules Overview -Review of the class Heuristics Group activity: Using the toolbox Discuss which heuristics you will be using in your papers. Do your group-mates think you are missing a tool?	Style Day Lecture and Exercises On: -Paraphrase and Summary -In-text Citation Bring In Outlines	Style Day Lecture and Exercises On: -Paraphrase and Summary -In-text Citation Bring In Outlines
April 18, 20, 22	Last Day of Class Core 4 Anonymous Peer Review Bring in a rough draft/outline of Core 4 with only the last 4 digits of your PID on it. Swap with another, who will put their last 4 digits on the paper and go over it in class. Note that I will be at the PCA conference soon after this class and therefore unable to respond to emails quickly. If you have any questions or concerns, email or speak with me by today.	Classes Cancelled for the rest of this week. Turn in your Portfolio by Monday, April 25 by Please remember to put your portfolio on its designated shelf.	Classes Cancelled for the rest of this week. Turn in your Portfolio by Monday, April 25 by Please remember to put your portfolio on its designated shelf.

Portfolio Pick-Up Times

All portfolios will be picked up at the same time: Monday, 5/2 from 10:00am – 4:50pm.

Note: I will be finalizing your grades after these Final Exam sessions. Questions are therefore best asked during these sessions, not after.

Core 3 Independent Work for the 16th and 18th

The following is to be completed while I am at the ICFA conference on the 16th and 18th.

Overview

Categorize the types of arguments you need to make, and place them in a rough outline. This outline with annotations will become Core 3.

Bring a copy of your outline, either physical or digital, to class on Monday the 21st for a group drafting exercise.

Part 1: Types of Argument

Part 2 of your textbook, Everything's An Argument, details several types of arguments:

Chapter 8: Argument of Fact, pg 208
Chapter 9: Argument of Definition, pg 249
Chapter 10: Evaluations, pg 284
Chapter 11: Causal Arguments, pg 335
Chapter 12: Proposals, pg 373

You do not have to read all of these, just the intro to see what the definition of each type is.

Decide which types you will be using in your paper, then read those chapters. Use the rules and concepts in the chapters to structure your arguments in your outline. This will be the basis for your annotations.

Part 2: Rough Outline

Outlines are a personal tool used to help you organize your essay, and so there are several types of outlines to match different learning types and writing processes. You do not need to use a specific format for your outline, but the following are established types that you might find useful.

Feel free to edit and modify these types to your own personal needs. You may in fact combine types to make a complex outline. For example, you may have a traditional bullet point outline with an intro that follows the CARS model, a fifth paragraph done with a Venn diagram, and a conclusion with a concept map that shows how all the previous paragraphs will link together. Experiment with the different styles and see what works best for you.

1) Traditional Bullet Point Outline
The most basic type of outline, you should be familiar with how to list ideas in this way. Try to think of each main bullet point as a paragraph's main idea, and make sure that each main idea leads back to the main thesis of the paper.

2) Toulmin Model
We have covered this in class, and it is explained in both the textbook and Everyday Writer guide. Again, make sure that each argument adds to the thesis in an important way.

3) Bubble Map
A bubble map or concept map is an interlinking set of bubbles or circles containing ideas or arguments and linked by lines to demonstrate how ideas connect.
Often bubble maps are used to map out websites or other non-linear works.

A bubble map for a website project for one of my classes.

Bubble maps can also be used to see how ideas link up and can show what needs to be said in a paragraph or a chapter based on how many links one can find to a given idea. Theoretically, something with a lot of links to it should be mentioned first or should be the concluding idea.

The main problem, of course, is that larger projects can make for confusing concept maps:

An abandoned concept map from when I started my dissertation.

This could be more discouraging than useful to some, but if you are a visual learner, than this type of outlining could be very helpful.

If you wish to use this type of outline, try the free software at https://bubbl.us . You may print these outlines out from bubbl.us and bring them in Monday.

4) Venn Diagram
Similar to the bubble or concept map, Venn diagrams are circles containing ideas, but instead of a line linking circles together, the bubbles overlap, and a third hybrid idea is mapped out in the overlapping section. Often these are used to display information quickly and concisely, but Venn diagrams can also be used to help organize a writer's ideas:

You probably cannot make an entire outline for a 12 page essay like this, but you can map an overview of your articles and how they interact.

5) CARS Model for Introductions
John Swales is a linguist that studied several types of writing across disciplines and found a pattern in how introductions are written. His resulting CARS Model (Creating A Research Space) can be especially helpful to those of you who have trouble writing the first few paragraphs to your essay:

·      Move 1: Establishing a research territory

o    step 1: claiming centrality, and/or

o    step 2: placing your research within the field, and/or

o    step 3: reviewing items of previous research

·      Move 2: Establishing a niche

o    step 1a: Counter-claiming, or

o    step 1b: Indicating a gap in current research, or

o    step 1c: Question raising, or

o    step 1d: Continuing a tradition

·     Move 3: Occupying the niche

o    step 1a: Outlining purposes, or

o    step 1b: Announcing present research

o    step 2: Announcing principle findings

o    step 3: Indicating research article structure

If you want more information on the CARS model, see this handout for more details, and a detailed discussion of how to use the model for an intro to your paper. Keep in mind, this only works well for introductions and should not be used for the entire paper, only to set it up.