Social Ethics

PROMPT

• In class we discussed James Rachels’ critique of Cultural Relativism. Do you find his criticisms persuasive? Why or why not?

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• Response paper should be submitted by using the submission link at the top of the page. Please attach as a Microsoft Word attachment. Do not attach in any alternative formats, PDF, RFT, etc.
• Save your paper with your name name in the title, for example, "Smith.Response Paper".

EVALUATION GUIDELINES

• Evaluation guidelines are stated on the Paper Rubric, located below.

Rubric

Response Paper RubricResponse Paper RubricCriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThesis StatementStudent must provide a thesis statement that: (a) states positing that will be defended, (b) provides a brief overview as to how it will be defended.

5 to >4.0 pts  Excellent   Student provides thesis statement that provides reader a clear sense of what the paper will defend, and how it will be defended. 

4 to >3.0 pts  Good   Student provides thesis statement that provides reader a clear sense of what the paper will defend, but lacks some details concerning how it will be defended.

3 to >0.0 pts  Fair     Student provides thesis statement, but it lacks specificity/is vague and fails to provide reader with clear direction of the paper’s purpose.

0 pts  Poor   Student provides no thesis statement.

5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Engagement With Readings and LecturesStudent is graded on:
(1) level of detail
(2) level of accuracy.

30 to >28.0 pts   Excellent    Student engages with readings/lectures at a significant level of detail and contains no errors. 

28 to >25.5 pts   Good     Student engages with readings/lectures at a suitable level of detail and is free of major errors.25.5 to >21.0 ptsFairStudent engages with readings/lectures some but (a) lacks sufficient detail, or (b) contains notable errors.21 to >0 ptsPoorStudent: (a) fails to engage with reading/lectures, (b) engagement is very superficial, or (c) engagement contains significant errors.30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeArgumentationThe student's paper must defend a position. The plausibility and cogency of argument with be graded.20 to >19.0 ptsExcellentThe student makes a strong argument, for a clearly defined position, considers potential objections carefully, and has no obvious unargued assumptions/premises.19 to >16.0 ptsGoodThe student makes a reasonable argument, for a clearly defined position. Their argument may contain some weaknesses or unargued assumptions/premises.16 to >14.0 ptsFairThe student makes an attempt to offer argumentation for a position, but (a) their position is not clearly defined, or (b) their argument lacks persuasive force.14 to >0 ptsPoorThe student: (a) makes no argument, or (b) establishes no clear position to be defended, (c) argument lacks any persuasive force.20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization20 to >19.0 ptsExcellentThe student’s paper has a clear organization, and adheres exactly to the required outline19 to >16.0 ptsGoodThe student’s paper has a clear organization and mostly adheres to the required organization.16 to >14.0 ptsFairThe student’s paper has a discernable organization and somewhat adheres to the required outline.14 to >0 ptsPoorThe student’s paper is highly disorganized/does not follow the required outline.20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting Style20 to >19.0 ptsExcellentThe student’s writing displays a high level of sophistication, appropriate word use, and no awkward constructions.19 to >16.0 ptsGoodThe student’s writing displays an appropriate (college) level of sophistication, but may contain some awkward or vague constructions.16 to >14.0 ptsFairThe student’s writing displays average level of sophistication and some awkward/vague/obscure constructions.14 to >0 ptsPoorThe student’s writing lacks sophistication, or contains numerous awkward constructions.20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGrammar5 to >4.0 ptsExcellentStudent’s paper contains no grammatical errors.4 to >3.0 ptsGoodStudent’s paper contains few grammatical errors.3 to >2.0 ptsFairThe student’s paper contains notable grammatical errors.2 to >0 ptsPoorThe student’s paper contains significant grammatical errors5 pts