1. American Landscape Portfolio Project
InwhatwaysisourconceptionoftheAmerican
Landscape anissuetoday?
 Craft an original argument
 Identify some critical, relevant, real-life issue(currentorhistorical)
 Presentathree-image sequence (throughthe course of the portfolio)
 Include atleast1 page of reflective writing
 1,400-1,600 wordsinlength(Thisisabout5-6 pagesof MLA formattedwriting.)
 Employall three modesof rhetoric:ethos,logos,pathos
Part I: Research
Finda real life issue orscenarioinwhichyoucan discerntwoopposingviewsof the functionof the
AmericanLandscape. Thisshouldbe anissue or eventaboutwhichyoucan findmultiple newsarticles.
(Maybe it isaboutthe GlenCanyondam,erosioninLouisiana,unemployment,rape culture,Vietnam,or
systematicdisenfranchisementof Native Americans.) How isthe issue areflectionof the American
Landscape?
Considerthe variousparadigms(orworldviews) thatare at odds,and analyzeand describe the
paradigms,payingclose attentiontothe word choiceandrhetorical modes fromthe articlesyouhave
collected. The tensionbetweenthese paradigmsshouldbe clear.
Part II: Analyze & Connect
Make a connectionbetweenaworkof literature fromthe classand thisissue. Choose aminimumof
three passagesfromthe reading thateithersupportorchallengeone (orboth) of the paradigms you
have described. Performclose readingsof these passages,pullingdetailsfromthe literature that
supportor challenge the paradigmof yourfocus. Essentially,the literature itself shouldcomplicatethe
issue,andyouhave to be veryclear about how it complicatesthis. (Thissectionmightbe verylike The
Bear essay,inwhichyouclose read,use IRE,and connectto otherworksand ideas.)
Part III: Conclude & Reflect
Draw conclusionsbasedonyourresearch. If you’ve clearlyidentifiedthe problem, are there any
possible solutions? Will the tensionbe precariouslyunresolvedforever? If so,why? How doesyour
descriptionof thisissue andlikelihoodof solution make youfeel? Whydoesthe issue matter? Towhat
extentdoesthe issue matter? Whathave youlearnedabout whatthe phrase “The American
Landscape”means overthe course of the term?
Part IV: Images,Aesthetics,Design
Well-selectedimagesanddesigncanmake yourprojectaccessible andmemorable. Choose athree-
image sequence thatreflectsthe arcof your argument. Youcan use these images atanypointinyour
piece. (Irecommendusingthemthroughouttoiterate yourtransitions,orinanotherlike manner.) Use
imagestoinstill asense of urgencyandconflict.

2. Part V: Present
Each studentwill crafta 5 minute presentationeditionof the paper.Presentationswillbe deliveredon
the last dayof class.

3. Due Dates & Check Points
 Analyze the Task In Class April 18 5 points
 ResearchDay ClassinLibrary May 13 NA
 SelectIssue Due before class May 15 5 points
 AnnotatedNotecards Due before class May 16 25 points
 Selectsupportingpassages Due before class May 19 5 points
 5 page draft Due before class May 20 10 points
 Final Draft Due at endof class May 21 100 points
 Presentation In Class May 28 20% of Course Grade
Final Paper Point Distribution
Research: 20 points
Analysis& Understanding:20 points
Organization & Transitions: 15 points
Grammar, Style,& Voice:15 points
Visual & Aesthetics:15 points
Communicationof Overall Learning: 15 points
Initial Questions:
First Ideas:
What will bethe most challenging part of thisassignment?
What will bemy strength going into thisassignment, based on past learning experiences?
Why will thisproject be valuable for measa learner?