Final Portfolio English III 2012

Final Portfolio 0 Purpose: A final should reflect your learning from the entire year. This learning will present itself through concepts, themes, and conclusions, based on the South Carolina State Standards. (yea, yea, yea) 0 Fun Fact: Research shows the efficacy of an authentic form of education that expects students to immerse themselves in a topic and meaningfully demonstrate acquisition of skills and knowledge. (edutopia.org)

DQ: Why is this a classic? 0 For this project, you will answer the driving question, “Why is this a classic?” with a final research paper defending your answer to this question. 0 This will be an investigative project based on a novel/author and a time period we have studied this year. 0 Choices:The Moonstone(Wilkie Collins), Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte), The Canterbury Tales (Geoffrey Chaucer), Frankenstein (Mary Shelley), Macbeth (William Shakespeare), A Tale of Two Cities (Charles Dickens), Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen), Beowulf (anonymous).

What are we doing, really? 0 Through the process of research and discovery, you will arrive at an informed opinion on why a particular novel is considered a classic. 0 You will gather info on author’s life, theirs and other’s writings during that time period, and opinions on said author. 0 You will organize your work (portfolio) and defend it to the English II students.

Components 1. Cover Sheet with pictures symbolizing your findings 2. A Table of Contents 3. Three-ringed binder with labelled dividers, separating your work. 4. Tab One- Research about the author 5. Tab Two- Poetry analysis 6. Tab Three-Short story or alternate writing by same author 7. Tab Four- Article or critique about the author’s work 8. Tab Five- Research paper

Cover Sheet “There are books of which the backs and covers are by far the best parts.” – Charles Dickens

Table of Contents I. Author Research……………………………………………..1 II. Poems ………………………………………………………… 5 I. Annotations……………………………………………………… 7 II. Analysis…………………………………………………… ……… 9 III. Short story narrative………………………………………………10

Research About Author 0 Annotated bibliography: 0 Bibliography- a list of sources 0 Annotation- a summary and/or evaluation of source 0 Why? Writing an annotated bibliography is excellent preparation for a research project. 0 Just collecting sources for a bibliography is useful, but when you have to write annotations for each source, you're forced to read each source more carefully. 0 You begin to read more critically instead of just collecting information.

Annotated Bibliography 0 Format: MLA style (see handout) 0 Content: Author information, publication information, brief summary of information 0 Evaluation: specify the relevant information and state the value. 0 Syntax: present tense, third person, no contractions, misspellings, comma splices, incomplete sentences. 0 Correct grammar required for each annotated bibliography.

Example Annotated Bibliography #5 Abrams, M. H. A Glossary of Literary Terms. Fort Worth: Harcourt Brace College, Print. M. H. Abrams, a professor at multiple universities and the writer of a literature anthology for undergraduate classes, writes definitions of literary terms and theories in this amazingly representative work. He is also a romanticist in his style of writing. Abrams defines multiple key terms for any literary critic, starting with the basics and ending in advanced literary theories or historical forms. Key definitions include those of leitmotif, personification, imagery (which is more complex than one expects), setting, tone, and denouement. Throughout the definitions Abrams applies not only his own literary genius, but also applies the theories of great psychologists, like Freud and Lacan, and even philosophical theories. A key element in his definitions is the quotes from literary greats, like T.S. Eliot, in use as the actual definition. In this work Abrams has combined the prowess of a literature professor with the “Great Chain of Being (another definition)” of previous Western authors. Not only does he define those terms, he also defines historical movements in the history of literature. Some of these include Decadence, a French epoch of literature in which reason is thrown away for pure sensation, and the period of the Absurd, a nihilistic period in which authors expound on the worthlessness of life. Abrams presents all of these definitions in an alphabetical format which is accessible to anyone. The only weakness he presents is a Leftist bias for minority representation, which often shows up in his definitions; but this is to be expected, given the nature of his profession, and does not invalidate the work as a whole.

Poetry Annotation & Analysis 0 Choose two poems from poets who wrote during the time period in which your author wrote. If your author wrote poetry, go ahead and uses it, but make sure it has many poetic elements. 0 Find five elements (see portfolio sheet) in each poem. 0 Annotate the poems and write a four (4) paragraph analysis for each poem.

Short Story Narrative Essay 0 In order to have a clear understanding of your author’s writing, it is important to be familiar with their other writings. 0 Print and annotate ONE short story or essay by your author. 0 Write a four (4) paragraph narrative/reflection essay on this work.

Article or Critique 0 All good authors of classic works have critics! Find one, annotate the article, and write an annotated bibliography entry for said article. 0 Enough said.

Research Paper 0 Oh yea, the good stuff. 0 Here is where all your work comes together. 0 You will write a five (5) paragraph essay defending your answer to the question, “Why is this a classic?” 0 This will be a 5paragraph essay with in-text citations and a Works Cited page. 0 You will use the sources already accumulated.

Show it Off 0 You will be showcasing your work to the English II students. 0 They will be viewing your work and will have specific questions for you to test your knowledge. 0 This will be factored into your final grade.

Last Slide 0 You are days away from completing a final project that will make you accomplished, brilliant, and the envy of all your friends. 0 Sadly, you will not have my class again (unless you do not complete this project). There are many fine therapists available to help you work through this trying time. 0 Enjoy your success. You have earned it.