Hi Folks:

I thought it might be helpful to take another look at the Portfolio description, as first released in the Syllabus. There have been some questions about the process, and so the piece below should clear any of those up. It is imperitive that folks who have not turned in first drafts do so by Thurs. or your final grade will be adjusted for such lateness. It is also important that you hang on to your first drafts (with my comments). This has always been the policy (as printed below). Let me know if you have any questions about any of this. And one last thing, if you make an appt. with me, be sure to bring at least one essay to discuss. Otherwise my input will be limited and I will find the process a bit frustrating.

The Portfolio (80%):

The Portfolio will represent the bulk of your efforts and, consequentially, the bulk of your grade.

All formal essays should be double-spaced in black 12 pt. Times New Roman. They should also be stapled. The first three formal essays will be revised extensively, not only to improve your grade, but to meet a basic requirement of the class: revision.

All good writing is a result of a writing process. The first three essays will require prewriting, peer review, a first draft (to receive a tentative grade), and a final draft. Your first drafts will

receive tentative grades—B-range, C-range, D-range, etc. This grade represents where the unrevised essay stands in its early incarnation. When revising each essay consider carefully my comments; then, if you like, schedule an appointment with myself, or the Writing Center (sfix@ccad.edu). You are required to meet with me at least once, preferably in the first ten weeks.

At the end of the term, you will turn in a folder that includes your three revised essays, as well as the first drafts of those essays (with my comments). The final draft of the fourth essay will also be included. The fourth essay will be an opportunity to show what you have learned in the process of revising the first three essays. The Portfolio will be assessed in terms of the four individual essays, but also as a whole (in terms of your overall progress as a writer).