Writing
5 short projects (grade will be averaged): 25% (for at least 2 or them
I require drafts/re-writes, but you may want to draft/rewrite all of
them)
Research paper: 50% (bibliography, outline, draft/s and final copy required)
ALL writing projects are REQUIRED to pass the class!
NC=negligible understanding of ideas and/or
facts, major errors, lack of or muddled ideas or content, poor organization,
failure to address the stated topic or part of it, misrepresentation
of sources.
D=minimal grasp of the course ideas, gaps that
indicate insufficient study or superficial grasp of ideas, so-so composition/organization,
failure to back up thesis or convince reader of its validity, unsatisfactory
documentation.
C=understanding of most concepts and some of
their complexity. Little or no originality in thinking and expression,
needs attention to details in reading and writing, poor editing, lots
of typos and problems with syntax, verbosity
B= good understanding of topics and their complexity
and some originality in argument. Coherent and clear organization, convincing
argumentation, good evidence, for the most part good documentation of
both primary and secondary sources, good selection of secondary sources.
Few formal problems.
A=solid understanding of concepts plus creative
and incisive application of them. Fair degree of originality, new ideas,
or solid persuasive argumentation against received wisdom (other scholars,
common presuppositions or assumptions, unquestioned "truths").
Clear and graceful syntax, exceptional command of linguistic nuance,
no mechanical errors, all of which combine to worthwhile content and
solid form.
Pluses or minuses indicate borderland cases. A is reserved for a truly
exceptional paper and is rare; A- indicates an A paper marred by a only
a couple of problems.