HU 2644: Final Project Description

Purpose:
The intent of this final project is to help you leave HU2644 with a strong collection of examples of the work you have done. By creating an online portfolio, you will be able to showcase your experience and expertise with at least five of the software applications we have used this term. Think of this project as one piece of preparation for applying for a co-op or job in your area of study.

Project Overview:
In this project I am asking you to create a portfolio constructed as an argument for why you should be hired for a particular job. You want this portfolio to make a claim (or claims) about your software skills and to provide evidence that you are knowledgeable in their use. It should contain the best examples of your work (either completed as part of a module or newly created for this portfolio). In addition, you will be providing some written contextualization about how the use of these applications fits into the rhetorical, communicative, and/or educational understanding you have gained through your coursework. You will have five minutes to informally present and explain your portfolio to the class during 15th week.

Assignment Description:
This assignment has three parts. In part one, begin by looking at the job websites listed below and select a job description in which you are interested and for which you will be qualified once you graduate. You will be creating an online portfolio that could be used to apply for this and similar positions.
http://www.craigslist.org
http://www.commarts.org
http://www.dice.com
http://www.nationjob.com/
http://www.monster.com

In part two you will create a written project proposal to help you plan out what your portfolio will contain and why. This proposal, due Wednesday April 17th, should address the following questions:

• Given what is written in the job description, what aspects of software use do you feel are most critical to highlight and why?
• What skills and approaches do you feel are the most important for the employer? Specifically, how will you address these needs in your portfolio?
• What is your plan for helping your portfolio to stand out when compared with the work of others of similar skill levels?
• What is your overall plan for what you will include and how you will structure your portfolio?
  

In part three you will create a project which includes the following:

• A smartly written, convincing introduction to and contextualization of the work contained in your portfolio
• Brief descriptions of what was involved in the creation of each piece in your portfolio
• Use of a minimum of five software applications that we have covered in this class
• A unified theme or design (that is, all the pages should look like they belong to the same site)
• A consistent, well-planned navigation system
• A resume
• Contact information
  

A Final Note:
I am open to other final project possibilities if they will fulfill an educational or professional need for you. If you would like to choose a different option, however, you will still need to write up a project proposal and convince me of its value. This alternative assignment must be cleared with me ahead of time.

Points:
Final project portfolio- 175 points
Final project presentation- 25points

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