Grading rubric:

15 points – Organization

35 points – Key Points

40 points – Analysis and Insights

10 points – Grammar and Language Use

Rubric

Term Paper RubricTerm Paper RubricCriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization15 to >13.5 ptsA-level EffortThe whole paper coherently develops a central thesis. The Introduction and Conclusion logically lead into and flow out of the body of the paper, whose structure is clear and appropriate to the thesis and topic.13.5 to >12.0 ptsB-level EffortThe paper has a central thesis, but sometimes drifts from it. The Introduction or Conclusion may not be clearly related to the body of the paper, whose structure may be at times unclear.12 to >10.5 ptsC-level EffortThe paper has a basic thesis, but frequently drifts from it. The Introduction or Conclusion are not related to the body of the paper, whose structure is frequently unclear.10.5 to >0 ptsLess than C-level EffortCriterion is not met.15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeKey Points35 to >31.5 ptsA-level EffortKey aspects of the chosen subject are covered, with no significant omissions. Important concepts are defined or explained, as needed. Every point is substantiated with strong evidence and/or appropriate authorities. There are no misstatements of fact.31.5 to >28.0 ptsB-level EffortRelevant aspects of the chosen subject are covered, with a few omissions. Some important concepts are not defined or explained. Some points are not substantiated with strong evidence and/or may not refer to appropriate authorities. There may be minor misstatements of fact.28 to >24.5 ptsC-level EffortMinimal aspects of the chosen subject are covered, with several omissions. Several important concepts are not defined or explained. In general, the points provide some evidence and occasionally refer to appropriate authorities. There may be a few significant misstatements of fact.24.5 to >0 ptsLess than C-level EffortCriterion is not met.35 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAnalysis and Insight40 to >36.0 ptsA-level EffortThe analysis and synthesis demonstrate mastery of the subject, interacting fairly with alternative or opposing points of view. Inferences, insights, and conclusions drawn from the data are valid and logical, being fully supported with strong evidence and/or appropriate authorities.36 to >32.0 ptsB-level EffortThe analysis and synthesis demonstrate an adequate comprehension of the subject and usually interacts fairly with alternative or opposing points of view. Inferences and insights drawn from the data are usually valid and logical, being adequately supported with significant evidence.32 to >28.0 ptsC-level EffortThe analysis and synthesis demonstrate a nominal comprehension of the subject and frequently do not interact fairly with alternative points of view. Inferences drawn from the data are frequently not valid or are only nominally supported with evidence.28 to >0 ptsLess than C-level EffortCriterion is not met.40 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGrammar/ Language use10 to >9.0 ptsA-level EffortThe writing is clear and precise, not vague or ambiguous, in keeping with educated usage. The tone is irenic, neither sarcastic nor angry. Any grammatical or syntactical mistakes neither change the meaning of a sentence nor hinder significantly its understandability.9 to >8.0 ptsB-level EffortThe writing is usually clear and in keeping with educated usage, The tone is usually irenic. There may be a few grammatical or syntactical mistakes which change the meaning of sentences or make the paper harder to understand.8 to >7.0 ptsC-level EffortThe writing is nominally clear and in keeping with educated usage. The tone is nominally irenic. There may be several grammatical or syntactical mistakes which change the meaning of sentences or make the paper difficult to understand.7 to >0 ptsLess than C-level EffortCriterion is not met.10 pts
Total Points: 100