Final Project: What is Literacy to You?

Task: Based on the work weve done so far this semester, deliver a 5-7 minute presentation that answers the
following question: What is your personal definition of literacy? Your presentation must synthesize several of
the various perspectives on literacy weve encountered throughout the semester while explaining how you
arrived at your personal definition of literacy. Your presentation must include some sort of multimedia,
multimodal, or interactive element (a PowerPoint or Prezi, a video, a poster, a demonstration, etc.).
Purpose: This assignment asks you to think critically about the definition of literacy, stretching the definition
beyond its traditional basis in reading and writing. In this project, you will demonstrate your ability to
synthesize, critique, and respond to the readings and concepts weve discussed throughout the semester,
integrating these concepts with your own opinions and experiences. You will also learn how to effectively
compose and deliver an oral presentation.
Specifics: You will give your presentations during the last week of class. You have some freedom in terms of
style and delivery, but your presentation must answer the following questions:

What are some of the different ways different authors have defined literacy? (Dont try to do all of them.
Just pick the 2 or 3 that best suit your purpose). What political or ideological purposes did/do these
definitions serve?
What is your personal definition of literacy? How did you arrive at this definition and how did it evolve?
How has it been influenced by your own experience and our class readings/discussions? Do you see this
definition serving an ideological purpose?

Your presentation must incorporate at least 5 sources (3 from the reading list and 2 you find on your own).
Your audience is your classmates and teacher. I will post a presentation sign-up sheet to BB in the Unit 3 folder.
You Will Turn In: Your end-of-semester reflection (details forthcoming), a complete MLA Works Cited list,
and any slides or notes from the presentation
Evaluation Criteria: Detailed grading criteria will be posted to BB, but 75% of your grade will be based on
content (strength of argument, use of sources, critical thought, etc.) and 25% will be based on presentation style
(engaging the audience, pace, use of multimedia, etc.). Your end-of-semester reflection will be a separate grade
and will be graded on effort/completion.
Important Dates:
Mon, Nov 24

Unit 3 Mini-Paper due at 11:59 pm via Blackboard

Wed, Nov 26-Fri, Nov 28

No Class, Thanksgiving Break

Wed, Dec 3

End-of-Semester Reflection and Course Evals

Fri, Dec 5-Wed, Dec 10

Final Project Presentations (BB materials due 11:59 pm on 12/10)

Fri, Dec 12

Stop Day

Mon, Dec 15

Last day to submit late work (by 11:59 pm via Blackboard)

Class will not meet during finals week and my finals week office hours are by appointment only. Your
WP3 grade will be posted on Blackboard when your final grade is submitted. I will return a highlighted rubric
to you via BB, but will not return detailed comments unless you request them in writing before your
presentation.