Writing assessment is based on the following rubric across the variables of:
- engagement (with course sources, concepts, and discussion),
- understanding (explaination, differentiation, analysis, paraphrasing, and
quotes),
- writing (concise, clear, coherent, and cohesive),
- and scholarly support (correct citations and bibliography).
- A = Excellent
-
Writing demonstrates impressive understanding of readings, discussions, themes and ideas. Written
work is fluid, clear, analytical, well-organized and grammatically polished. Reasoning and logic are
well-grounded and examples precise.
- B = Good
-
Work demonstrates a thorough and solid understanding of readings, discussions, themes and ideas.
Written work is clear and competent, but is somewhat general, a bit vague, or otherwise lacking in
precision. While analytical, writing presents more description than analysis. Arguments are solid
but not thoroughly original or polished.
- C = Fair
-
Work demonstrates a somewhat fragmented understanding of readings, discussions, themes and ideas.
Shows acquaintance with readings and ideas, but not intellectual engagement. Written work is choppy
and argument somewhat difficult to follow, examples are vague or irrelevant, and ideas are
imprecise. Work veers toward underdeveloped ideas, off-topic sources or examples, personal
anecdotes, creative writing, memoir, etc.
- D = Unsatisfactory
-
Work demonstrates little understanding or even acquaintance with readings, discussions, themes and
ideas. Written work is choppy, fractured and unclear. Argument follows little logical development,
or work presents little discernible argument whatsoever.
- F = Failure / Unacceptable
-
Work does not demonstrate understanding of topics, ideas and readings. This is also the grade for
work not submitted and plagiarized work.
See the checklists in the Writing
and Rubric handout for help.
