|
A. Analysis and Argument
Objectives: to frame clearly problem to be
addressed in assignment; state claims to be demonstrated; make consistent
assumptions and arguments; employ evidence appropriately to support claims;
present competing viewpoints fairly; demonstrate critical thinking by (1)
evaluating arguments and questioning assumptions or implications and (2)
recognizing limits or flaws in evidence.
|
B. Organization
Objectives: to present focused response to
assignment in standard essay form, with introduction, body, and conclusion;
organize paper as assignment prescribes (here: proposed action/preview,
argument, counter-argument, and response to counter argument); use clear
transitions to connect parts of essay; group material into coherent paragraphs
with topic sentences; respond to all parts of question; avoid digressions
and irrelevant information.
|
C. Sources and Research
Objectives: to incorporate references to sources
as appropriate to support argument; recognize when points require references
to sources; make use of appropriate, legitimate sources; interpret sources
correctly; cite sources consistently and correctly; distinguish between
paper writer’s voice and sources’ voices.
|
D. Effective Writing
Objectives: to communicate clearly so essay
would be understood by someone who has not taken the course; use appropriate
political science terminology correctly;
follow appropriate language conventions
(syntax, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, word choice, integration
of sources into sentence syntax, etc.); use precise, specific language
to convey exact meaning; concise expression.
|
|
4 Frames point
of assignment and what it seeks to do; executes consistent argument throughout;
supports argument with appropriate evidence that is on point; presents
both own and opposing position effectively and fairly; careful to recognize
problems with assumptions, arguments, and evidence.
|
4 Focused, logical
approach overall -- clear opening that states what recipient should do
and frames full response to question, body paragraphs in order implied
by question (argument, counter argument, and rejoinder), and brief conclusion;
transitions make structure clear; sound paragraph construction; complete
response; no digressions.
|
4 Consistently
supports points with references to sources and interprets them correctly;
careful use of a range of suitable sources on both sides; thorough, consistent
citations (not just for direct quotations); always distinguishes between
author’s voice and sources’.
|
4 Communicates
effectively throughout the paper with few lapses in conventions; uses political
science terminology correctly; infrequent lapses in use of language conventions;
chooses appropriate words and expressions to convey meaning; concise expression.
|
|
3 Identifies point
of letter but claims are vague; generally consistent argument but occasional
lapses; most evidence is appropriate but sometimes not directly on point
or of suspect quality; defends own position well but may present caricature
or simplified view of opposing position; shows some critical thinking by
questioning assumptions, arguments, and/or evidence.
|
3 Generally clear
structure, with defined opening that identifies proposed action and previews
some of what follows; structure and order generally corresponds to what
question requires; most paragraphs well constructed; includes all required
parts of assignment, though some may be underdeveloped; usually on point.
|
3 Makes accurate
references to sources through most of paper, though some other points should
have cited sources; use of limited but appropriate sources; consistent
citations for quotations and some other material; generally makes clear
when expressing own view versus that of sources.
|
3 Communicates
clearly; lapses in certain conventions rarely impede comprehension; political
science terminology generally used correctly but sometimes not employed
where appropriate; occasional vague or imprecise language; sometimes too
wordy.
|
|
2 Opening talks
around topic, doesn’t identify position; offers points as arguments that
would not persuade reader who did not share author’s position; evidence
often missing, inappropriate, or suspect; opposing view mischaracterized
or given scant treatment; no rejoinder to opposing view; superficial critical
awareness shown in use of evidence and discussion of assumptions and arguments.
|
2 Standard essay
structure is unclear -- opening fails to state point and offers poor preview
of argument, sometimes fails to distinguish between argument and opposing
position, no conclusion or one poorly connected to what preceded it; few
transitions between paragraphs and sentences; disjointed or rambling paragraphs;
fails to answer significant part of question; some irrelevant material.
|
2 Citations only
for quotations; presents opinions without support from sources; inconsistent
citation format (for research papers) demonstrates poor judgment in use
of sources, failing to recognize source bias; often muddles author’s voice
and sources’.
|
2 Meaning is generally
clear to informed reader, but poor writing sometimes impedes comprehension
or proves distracting; frequent misuse of political science terminology;
language is often too convoluted, vague, imprecise, or casual.
|
|
0 or 1 Inappropriate
topic for assignment; no position at outset; unclear what points student
seeks to make; fails to address opposing position; offer personal opinions
but little or no evidence; inconsistent and self-contradictory.
|
0 or 1 Basic structure
is non-existent; no transitions; no paragraph breaks or paragraphs are
random sentences; very incomplete, doesn’t answer several parts of question;
uses much unnecessary or irrelevant material.
|
0 or 1 Few or no
references to readings; few or no citations; (for research papers) no identified
sources; relies on invalid sources, e.g. Wikipedia; no distinction between
author’s voice and others’ ideas.
|
0 or 1 Verges on
unintelligible because sentences rarely adhere to writing conventions;
little or no use of political science terminology; like reading mud.
|
Score: A ____ + B____ + C____ + D____ = ____ Grade: _______