The Multigenre Research Paper

The Multigenre Research Portfolio

Creating an effective multigenre portfolio is a primary goal of this course. Topics should be focused on biographical subjects, specific incidents in the lives of historical persons, or important historical events or eras. Your first step will be to do some research in order to become very knowledgeable on your specific topic. You will also begin writing on your topic, in various formats, early in the semester. The researching, drafting, and revising activities will continue as you explore various genres, transformations, and techniques. Workshops will be focused on potential pieces for your final multigenre portfolio.

Your final collection should include, but not be limited to, the pieces listed here. I have tried to include enough variety to encourage you out of your comfort zones into forms, voices, and audiences that will require new thinking on your part while ensuring that the multigenre portfolio will include pieces that meet our curricular needs as well as your creative ones.

Two poems (at least one non-rhyming)
One dialogue piece
One journalistic piece (not an interview if this is your only journalistic offering)
One narrative piece in prose, approximately 300-400 words
One descriptive piece in prose or one transformation piece
One persuasive/argument piece in prose (with appropriate documentation), approximately 500 words
One mystory/I-search piece (some of this might come from your prospectus).

In addition, you will need to include the following:

All of the Grammar B concepts from WP, chapters 5 and 6.
A "Notes" section documenting your sources (see WP 141-143 for a discussion of this).
A "Works Consulted" page that lists texts you cited AND texts you reviewed but did not cite (MLA format, please).

The final project must be typed/word processed in a 10- or 12-point font with 1-inch margins where appropriate. With the exception of the "Notes" section and the "Works Consulted" list (both of which should be placed at the end of the project), you may organize your material in any order, but the pieces should be formatted and arranged with purpose.

A word on sources: each project should have a minimum of eight (8) scholarly sources such as books and journal articles. Web sites will not count toward your source total, but you are welcome to use material from credible sites where appropriate (evaluate carefully!). You must, of course, document all sources, regardless of type.

Please have your final portfolio spiral- or coil-bound (any copy shop can do this for you at a minimal cost). Turn in your criteria sheet with your portfolio, but do not bind it in with your other materials—simply fold the sheet in half and tuck it into the front cover.

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Special thanks to Dr. Jackie Swensson for sharing her multigenre research assignment models.