What is the English Major Capstone Portfolio?

The portfolio is a collection of the work that you have done in your English classes. The Capstone Portfolio begins with a Reflective Essay that allows you to consider your writing over the course of your time as an English major, and to discuss how your studies connect to your future academic and professional goals. The other essays are drawn from milestone courses in the English major and from your Capstone; your selections should demonstrate your development as a student, literary historian, critic, writer, and/or teacher of English.

Why does the English Department require a Capstone Portfolio?

To best understand and to improve on our students’ experiences in the major, the department requires graduating seniors to complete a portfolio that documents and comments on their work. English faculty believe that the process of compiling, presenting, and reflecting on your body of writing in the major allows for valuable insight into your development as a student. Completing a portfolio also provides you with useful practice in self-presentation and is a potential resource for applying for jobs or positions in graduate and professional programs.

What specific materials are required for the Capstone Portfolio?

1.  Reflective Essay. 3-5 pages. See below for the reflective essay prompt.

2.  One essay from ENGL 300

3.  One essay from ENGL 302

4.  One essay from ENGL 308

5.  Your final researched essay from ENGL 380

6.  The Capstone paper or project from your Capstone class; non-written or multimodal projects require a stable link so readers can access the file. (Questions about including these materials should be directed to Susan Grimm at sxd@case.edu.)

When is the deadline to submit the Capstone Portfolio?

The portfolio should be submitted by the Monday after classes end in the term in which you plan to graduate.

How do I submit my Capstone Portfolio?

The required materials listed above should be emailed to Susan Grimm in the English department office (sxd290@case.edu). 

Major Portfolio Reflective Essay Prompt

This three-to-five (3-5) page essay should be a thoughtful reflection of how you have developed or changed over the course of your time as an English major. Portfolio reviewers are particularly interested in how you have engaged with different values, ideas, and perspectives during your time as an English major. This essay also provides an opportunity for you to discuss how your studies connect to your future academic and professional goals.

Steps to Get Started: First, select work from your English courses (as described above), and take some time to re-read the essays from your current perspective as a completing English major. Reflect on the changes that you observe in your writing and critical engagement over time. Then, compose your reflective essay based on the prompt above. Some questions that you might address in your reflection include:

  • What do the essays/projects included in your portfolio tell readers about your writing (or presentation) techniques, strategies, or abilities during your time as an English major at CWRU?

  • How do the essays illustrate your specific literary interests, strengths, or any other significant developments in terms of your academic experiences in the major?

  • What has the process of analyzing, researching, and writing about literary topics taught you about your own writing and/or any future types of writing you will do?

In the reflective essay, you are encouraged to consider the essays taken together as well as to cite examples from individual essays in order to illustrate specific points that characterize the work that you have accomplished. Organize your reflective essay in the way you feel best communicates your conclusions about your experiences.