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
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
your work.
Tab One- Research about the author
Tab Two- Poetry analysis
Tab Three-Short story or alternate writing by same
author
Tab Four- Article or critique about the author’s work
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
Author Research……………………………………………..1
II. Poems ………………………………………………………… 5
I.
Annotations……………………………………………………… 7
II. Analysis…………………………………………………… ……… 9
III. Short story narrative………………………………………………10
I.
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, 1999. 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. 