Multi-Genre Research Project (4 th Qtr. Portfolio) 5 sources (min) 5 genres (min)

Multi-Genre Research

Project (4th Qtr. Portfolio)

5 sources (min) 5 genres (min)

A multi-genre paper (project) is composed of many genres, each piece self-contained, making a point of its own, yet connected by theme or topic and sometimes by language, images, and content. In addition to many genres, a multi-genre paper may also contain many voices, not just the author’s. The trick is to make such a paper hang together.

Romano, Tom Blending Genre, Altering Style. Boynton/Cook Publishers: Portsmouth, NH, 2000.

Multi-Genre Research Project (4th Qtr. Portfolio)

Why are we doing this project? To give a topic or issue a living, breathing life To bring together all the genres we’ve

practiced in College Writing this year To practice finding and evaluating credible

sources of information (research skills) To practice using research in writing To develop a specific purpose for each genre/

each piece based on/communicating your researched knowledge

Multi-Genre Research Project5 sources and 5 genres (min)

1 genre: argumentation essay (75-125 lines) 1 genre: poem 1 genre: fiction (complete narrative, dialogue,

character sketch, vignette) 1 genre: digital story-ish (DS, ad, PSA. etc..) 1 genre: student choice Additional genres (if needed/wanted) Total length: 200 - 250 lines

A poem that brings out an essential feeling or idea of this inquiry

A narrative that brings out an essential feeling or idea of this inquiry A digital

story/PSA that brings out an essential feeling or idea of this inquiry

An argument essay that argues a specific aspect of this inquiry using researched sources

Another genre that brings out this inquiry

Together, all the genres of writing produce a project that shows deep understanding that has grown from your inquiry . All pieces are held together by a “thread” that unites them (more than just the cover page).

Ideas for “threads” that unify the project

Repeat key images, details, or language in a number of genres

Repeat a pattern of significant quotations, pictures, headlines, phrases, or titles

Use a later genre to answer or respond to an earlier genre

Break a long narrative into parts and intersperse them among other genres

Create a character(s) that reappears in genres Repeat a specific form of one genre Sequence the order so the order unites the pieces


Research and Documentation Requirements: Argument essay must cite at least 3 sources Parenthetical documentation (in text citation) required

in the argument essay Separate Works Cited Page for the argument essay Other 4 genres must reflect/communicate research End notes for all other genres One Bibliography for entire project


Additional Requirements: Read and respond to a nonfiction book as a way to

explore an inquiry (1 major source) Watch and respond to a documentary OR

Interview someone and respond to the interview

(one or the other = 2nd major source) Conduct additional research (at the very least, 3 sources) All work turned in must be generated for this assignment,

during 4th quarter MGRP = 40% of 4th quarter grade + 25% of final exam


Guidelines in Choosing an Inquiry and Book: Inquiry you are genuinely interested in Inquiry with originality in it (zero duh… factor) Inquiry you’re willing to study for 8 weeks Inquiry that can be explored through a

nonfiction book as an avenue into this topic/issue.

The book must lead to an issue/inquiry worthy of exploration—not the person or the story.

A topic or person related to your future field of study


Important Dates red = major source, blue – minor source

Research of 1 minor source completed by April 10 Book and response completed by April 14 2nd minor source by April 15; Documentary/Interview and response completed by

April 17 (or change order: this first and book second) 3rd minor source by April 18 April 17 – May 23: write, workshop

create digital story May 26: Project Due (subject to change-may be earlier)


My Advice for Success on MGRP

Select and read book on time Meet all deadlines for each genre Do not get behind Remember the Fosterism: “Go the extra

mile” Be proud of your last project and of

yourself Go out with a bang not a fizzle

Due after break

Tues, 4/8: book in class, 50 pgs read with notes

Thur., 4/10: 1 source (with annotation, complete MLA cit. and explanation of high quality)

Mon. 4/14 and Thur. 4/17: responses on both major sources due

Tues. 4/15: 2nd minor source due (see above); Fri 4/18, 3rd minor source due

Mon 4/21: Midterm Test--argument, high quality sources, research practices, etc.

Documents

Multi-Genre Research Project (4 th Qtr. Portfolio) 5 sources (min) 5 genres (min)