Portfolios

= FINAL PROJECT - 20% of semester grade =

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== Your portfolio must have a THEME -- which includes a TOPIC and suggests a MESSAGE about that topic. Let the different pieces explore different aspects of the theme but collectively point to a particular argument or angle on the topic. ==

(For example, my example, "Autism All Around Me," serves to dispute myths about autism by showing real-life examples of people with autism -- namely my son -- who live full, rich lives. The work concludes that autism does not diminish a person's ability to love and be loved, despite the huge difficulties he may face, and that we should treat people on the autism spectrum with respect and understanding.)

== TEXT pieces may be written in prose or poetry, and they must be primarily original. One or 2 pieces (see below) may be written by someone else, copied from another source, or an interweaving of both by using replacement words or phrases. (You may either re-work the structure of the piece or use font manipulation.) ==

== For the prose pieces in your portfolio, consider using anything at all, including paragraphs, scenes, diary entries, lists, recipes, prescriptions, ANYTHING AT ALL that can enhance your portfolio or make it rich with meaning. ==

== - At least 80% of your portfolio must be ORIGINAL WRITING, including work you completely create and work you artfully change from its original form in significant ways -- cutting, adding, or moving sections. ==

- 20% or less may be another's writing that you use word-for-word or re-structure. ** (Ex -- 2 pages of a 10-page portfolio; 1 page of a 5-page portfolio) **

 * - An example of a piece I did not write but significantly changed in the "Autism" portfolio is the TV Guide piece, which was longer and uses only about half of the original text. **


 * - Another example of text that I did not write is the journal entry by my son, which is 100% his original writing. **

== Whatever you include should be chosen thoughtfully. I expect high quality work -- meaning carefully constructed and using abundant imagery, interesting diction (words), and powerful emotions. Poetry should include several metaphoric elements and sound devices. Prose should include lots of sensory details and -- separately or cumulatively -- elements of the narrative arc. Photographs and illustrations should be interesting and emotion-inducing, and should serve the larger purpose of the portfolio. ==

==** Effectiveness of Theme and Message: ** Theme is clear, explored fully, and concluded clearly. ==