Grading Scale
- Content: 3 points
- Organization / Structure: 2 points
- Mechanics: 2 points
- Analysis: 3 points
| A+ 9.7-10 | B+ 8.7-8.9 | C+ 7.7-7.9 | D+ 6.7-6.9 |
| A 9.3-9.6 | B 8.3-8.6 | C 7.3-7.6 | D 6.3-6.6 |
| A- 9.9-9.2 | B- 8.0-8.2 | C- 7.0-7.2 | D- 6.0-6.2 |
Expectations
Generally, in the essays you should critically engage the week’s topic and explore the main issues presented to you in lecture, video presentation and in the readings. This is best accomplished in two layers. The first is descriptive. This would include showing us that you have understood the material and, of course, have studied the readings and put some thought into the issues, facts, interpretations, and arguments they present. This is what we mean by content (3 points). The second layer is analytic and critical. Here, we expect you to go beyond mere summary and paraphrase in favor of voicing your own ideas on the subject. You may want to argue a point brought up by one of the authors, present a fresh interpretation or critical take on the issue(s), respond to or show how one or more critical concepts do or do not apply to our topic. What is essential is that you show us that you have made an effort to really think about the material, and that you have made an attempt to argue your point(s) convincingly. This is what we mean by analysis (3 points). The final four points are reserved for mechanics (2 points) and organization / structure (2 points).
Generally, papers receiving a grade of ‘A’ display the following characteristics: In terms of content, the topic is appropriate for the assignment and all important points of the material are covered. It is apparent that the writer has understood and assimilated the material. In terms of structure and organization it is clear that the topic is well thought out and carefully developed with effective and appropriate supporting detail. The paper fully anticipates reader needs in terms of organization and presentation of information, and the formal elements of introduction, body and conclusion are easily identifiable. A thesis statement is presented, developed, and supported with appropriate main and sub-points, and the flow of ideas is logical and fluid. In terms of mechanics, correct grammatical structures are used throughout and there are no or very few faults with respect to spelling, punctuation or presentation. Sentences are clear and well constructed, and mastery of standard paragraphing technique is apparent. It is obvious that the writer has command of standard literary English as used in academic papers, and employs language that is appropriate for the topic, purpose and reader. In terms of analysis, the paper synthesizes and interprets important points, constructs new ideas or perspectives on the topic at hand, or creatively articulates ideas in a novel or synthetic interpretive context.