portfoliodraftcesare

Foundations of College Writing Dr. Sherry Portfolio Synthesis Letter Cesare Deluisi

This semester, in Foundations of College Writing, I have worked toward earning five goals that would improve my writing. I have made progress towards reaching my goals mainly through our 3 projects over the course of the semester. I draw my examples mainly from the three projects we did: in the first project, I researched the typical stereotypes given to sorority girls, and tried to change my class’s views. I wanted to show them what it really meant to be in a sorority, and not just what is seen through the media; in the second project, I transformed my research into three different genres for three different audiences, stating my feelings as a sorority girl; in the third project, I wrote a personal narrative about my own experiences related to the main topic of the course-what it means to be educated. INSERT FLYER In my research project, I investigated the typical stereotypes given to sorority girls on college campuses. When I was given this assignment the challegene was to create three different genres using the basis from our previous reseach assignment. I created something that would be most appropriate to that audience. I created a flyer for incoming freshman encouraging them to meet sisters to seek their interest in the “rush” process. I created this flyer through past research of what I was trying to convey to the audience already. After trying to prove the great things being in a sorority brings, a flyer to encourage them to see if being in a sisterhood is right for them. I described on the flyer, where and when the girls can begin the rush process. I listed the national and local sororities of Bloomsburg to get some names out there to show the girls, which are here at their school. I thought that was really important to do because it shows girls that all the sororities are interested in meeting new girls and not just certain ones. I transformed the information found in my first research project of the semester, to create something in appropriate language and with enough detail to show freshman that sorority girls are interested in getting them involved. This semester, I created a parent letter based on my topic of stereotypical sorority girls. I focus on making a letter to the parents stating what it meant for their child to enter the community of Greek life at Bloomsburg University. The criteria of the assignment were to compose in a genre that would be appropriate to a parent of a student. Therefore I conducted a formal letter using the proper introduction “Dear Parent and Guardian”, I stated exactly what their child would be growing through using bullets, and I stated the contact information where parents can get involved and ask questions from the head of the Greek life department. INSERT PARENT LETTER In our own groups this semester, we had our own literature circle meetings. A small group of us discussing our thoughts about the book we were given in class. My group was given the novel “Educating Esme” about an independent woman’s diary of her first year of teaching. We were taught to each week give each other different roles and jobs to make sure the discussion went smoothly. Each member played an important role in the discussion. The summarizer wrote down all the points that were talked about. The questioner, asked questions about topics they felt needed to be discussed. Finally, the discussion director makes sure the conversation stays on task and all points needed to be discussed are talked about. Literature circles really helped me understand the novel I was reading for class. I think it’s important to have these groups because it keeps everyone on tasks and the novel gets discussed and we see all the different viewpoints and opinions people have. This semester I learned how to use a lot of new features regarding a media standpoint. I learned how to work the website wikispaces.com and we used that website for all of our semester work. In our projects this semester of using different genres that were related to our research project, we followed guidelines that were contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity. In my incoming freshman flyer, I followed these guidelines collaborating colors, which represented contrast. I made sure all of my boxes with information were aligned correctly because alignment is important if trying to make something look professional. I learned a lot through the process of starting my assignments in this course, the editing process is what helped me the most to shape my projects into the best they could be. We had drafts required to be submitted for each assignment for all of our projects. After bringing copies of our drafts to class we were placed into groups for peer editing. In class, my classmates and I exchanged papers hoping for the best feedback possible. After giving and receiving feedback from our classmates, we then got feedback from Dr. Sherry.
 * Goal A. Students will be able to compose for particular audiences and purposes**
 * Goal B. Students will be able to compose using language and conventions appropriate to genre.**
 * Goal C. Students will be able to read, select, and use evidence critically to formulate and support arguments**
 * Goal D. Students will be able to interpret and compose in a variety of media and print/non-print genres**
 * Goal E. Students will be able to discuss and apply appropriate writing processes both individually and in collaborative contexts.**