[adopted by the Department, April, 1993: also used in PHIL/GLST 210, Values Analysis]
The following criteria are used by all faculty in the Philosophy and Religion Department to evaluate essays. Please review this document before you begin an assignment.
Standard Average: Grade of C
This grade indicates that the assignment has been fulfilled at an adequate level.
a. Pertinent material from the assigned readings, lectures and class discussions is included in the contents of the paper.
b. There is a basic level of organization with an identifiable thesis, an introduction, body and conclusion.
c. Basic concepts are included and explained at an introductory level.
d. There are no more than 3 mechanical errors per page (i.e., syntax, spelling, grammar and punctuation). In addition, a standard form of documentation is employed (i.e., notes and works cited). The department recommends the Modern Language Association Manual or the Chicago Manual of Style.
Above Average: Grade of B
This grade indicates that the assignment has been fulfilled at an above-average level.
a. More extensive material from the assigned readings, lectures, and class discussions is included in the content of the paper. Where appropriate, use of additional resources (reserve readings, library material, etc.) will be expected.
b. There is an identifiable thesis which is integrated into the structure of the entire essay and is defended in a logical and systematic manner.
c. There is a greater mastery of writing and thinking skills, including effective use of quotations and paragraph organization; a greater reliance on putting ideas and concepts into one's own words rather than relying on direct quotations; a greater ability to recognize and articulate diverse points of view; and a demonstrated ability to engage in critical reflection, analysis and synthesis.
d. There are no more than 2 errors per page and standard documentation is employed [M.L.A. or Chicago].
Superior: Grade of A
This grade indicates that the assignment has been fulfilled at an exceptional level.
a. Exceptionally extensive material from assigned readings, lectures, class discussions and outside resources is included in the content of the paper.
b. The thesis and its defense demonstrate exceptional accuracy regarding both supported claims and others' claims (including the evidence and arguments for those claims).
c. Exceptional critical and stylistic abilities are demonstrated in the writing. There is an ability to express in writing one's thoughts, in a "voice of one's own," which shows the writer has succeeded in finding a clear and aesthetically pleasing use of words, idiom and phrasing.
d. There is no more than 1 mechanical error page and standard documentation is employed [M.L.A. or Chicago].
Below Average: Grade of D
This grade indicates that the assignment has been fulfilled at a below average level.
a. The essay demonstrates that the student has read and at least partly understood class materials (textbook and reserve readings, Internet- and Web-based materials, etc.)
b. There is a vague or non-existent thesis in the essay.
c. No more than four stylistic, spelling and grammatical errors per page exist in the paper. Standard documentation is poorly constructed or absent.
d. The essay demonstrates little creativity and primarily involves an incomplete recitation of the arguments in the assigned materials.
e. Part of the assignment is ignored.
Failure
1. Quality of the work is less than a D grade.
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Policy for Late Papers
Unless otherwise stated by the instructor, the department will grant credit for late papers. However, a reduction by one grade point from the earned grade of the paper (e.g., from a "B" to "C") will result for each day a paper is turned in past the announced deadline date.