Essay #4 Theory of Writing and Portfolio (25%)

A Theory of Writing and Writing Portfolio

There will be no in-class synchronous final. Instead, you will be required to create a portfolio on the CUNY Academic Commons website, which will contain all your major work for the semester. We will go over this more in class. The cornerstone of the portfolio will be your final essay: the theory of writing.

Essay #4: 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.

You have also been developing your theory of writing, i.e. what writing means to you, and how you use specific elements as you write through your own composition. As a result, you have had the opportunity to create a knowledge base of writing and its practices. In this final reflection, you will be exploring your personal relationship to writing by discussing several questions, including (but not limited to): defining your theory of writing.

• What was your “theory of writing” coming into this class? How has your writing evolved with each piece of composing?
• Think about the assignments and readings for both FIQWS courses. What has contributed to your theory of writing most?
• We discussed how attitudes towards linguistic standards and differences empower and oppress language users. Describe, using examples of class exercises, readings, and assignments, how your attitudes towards “standardized English” and other vernaculars have changed.
• Finally, 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.

Enhance your argument through an application of key rhetorical terms–rhetorical situation, audience, author, tone, purpose, genre, medium, stance, and language–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.

You will choose a genre to work in–letter, email, essay, journal entry, or any genre you want that is approved by your instructors–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.

Length: Approx. 1500 words (About 4 pages)

Timeline:

Both the digital portfolio and Theory of Writing essay will be due on 12/17 (Last day of semester and finals week)      

***CUNY Academic Commons Website

Part of your final portfolio is creating a website. We will spend time in class creating and personalizing them. Your Final Drafts of Essays 1-3, your final Theory of Writing, Reflections, and any in-class work you wish to include, should be on your website by the due date of the assignment, the same day as your portfolio is due.