Portfolio+Exam+Memo

= **STS PhD COMPREHENSIVE EXAM PORTFOLIO REVIEW** =

__A brief overview of the process:__

There is no fixed structure of the portfolio. This allows students to most effectively highlight their strengths. However, the portfolio is made up of writings of three main kinds.
 * 1) Cover letter
 * 2) Selected longer writings (papers, research proposals, articles) – maximum total 80 pages
 * 3) Selected shorter writings (book reviews, analytical memos, reading annotations, book reviews, blog posts, op-eds, syllabi, Wiki pages, short essays) – maximum total 60 pages

Your portfolio should demonstrate the following:
 * What are the expectations?**
 * 1) You have an emerging understanding of the breadth and diversity of the field of STS, and are starting to find your place in it.
 * 2) You are building strength in at least two general areas of STS scholarship, such as Science Studies, Technology Studies, Policy Studies, or another broad area of STS research and writing that you identify.
 * 3) You are able to accurately summarize the work of diverse STS scholars.
 * 4) You are able to compare, synthesize, apply, and critique an array of STS perspectives and ideas.

= Portfolio Exam Memo =

To: First- and Second-Year STS Graduate Students From: Abby Kinchy, Chair of the Portfolio Exam Committee Re: Portfolio Information and Deadlines Date: September 12, 2012

The graduate program in STS has a multi-step process for qualifying to advance to the dissertation-writing stage. First, you assemble a portfolio of your writing that demonstrates breadth in your early exploration of STS topics and literatures. Next, you write a literature review that demonstrates depth of understanding of the area(s) that will inform your dissertation research. Finally, you write and orally defend a dissertation research proposal, in consultation with the dissertation committee which you assemble. After successfully completing each of these steps, you are qualified to write your dissertation, and are considered ABD (“all but dissertation”).

This memo provides some essential information about the first step in this process, the portfolio, or “breadth exam.”

If you are pursuing an MS/PhD in STS at RPI, your portfolio is due after four semesters. If you are pursuing a PhD only, your portfolio is due after two semesters. Either way, it is essential that you begin to prepare materials for your portfolio as soon as you begin graduate study here. Portfolios are generally due at the end of summer (the committee will give you a specific deadline).
 * When is it due?**

There is no fixed structure of the portfolio. This allows students to most effectively highlight their strengths. However, the portfolio is made up of writings of three main kinds. 1. Cover letter 2. Selected longer writings (papers, research proposals, articles) – maximum total 80 pages 3. Selected shorter writings (book reviews, analytical memos, reading annotations, book reviews, blog posts, op-eds, syllabi, Wiki pages, short essays) – maximum total 60 pages
 * What should you include?**

Your portfolio should demonstrate the following:
 * What are the expectations?**
 * 1) You have an emerging understanding of the breadth and diversity of the field of STS, and are starting to find your place in it.
 * 2) You are building strength in at least two general areas of STS scholarship, such as Science Studies, Technology Studies, Policy Studies, or another broad area of STS research and writing that you identify.
 * 3) You are able to accurately summarize the work of diverse STS scholars.
 * 4) You are able to compare, synthesize, apply, and critique an array of STS perspectives and ideas.

It is your responsibility to compile and submit a portfolio before the deadline. The following is advice on how to complete this task in in a timely way.
 * What are the steps in the process?**
 * 1) When selecting topics for seminar papers and other assignments, bear in mind that you are also writing for your portfolio.
 * 2) In the Spring semester before your portfolio is due, select writing samples that represent the major areas of work you have done so far in the graduate program. Then, in consultation with members of the exam committee, reflect on where you may need to study more broadly. Choose additional readings for summer study based on this self-assessment.
 * 3) Over the summer, read the chosen texts, and use those readings to polish your longer writings and to prepare shorter writings (such as book reviews and reading annotations).
 * 4) Write short introductions to each of the longer writings. Contextualize and reflect on them. Situate the work in your intellectual trajectory.
 * 5) Group the shorter writings together in meaningful ways. Write short introductions to those clusters.
 * 6) Write a cover letter in which you summarize the portfolio elements and reflect on how you think about the particular expertise you are developing. Explain how you think of STS as a field and where you situate yourself in it.
 * 7) Compile all the pieces and submit it as a pdf to the exam committee. The committee may also request a hard copy.

The exam committee will review your portfolio collectively. Two committee members will write a report summarizing the committee’s assessment of the portfolio and meet with you to provide constructive feedback and dialogue about your progress so far.
 * How will you learn how you did?**