- Required notes about the film and five sources.

Assessment Rubrics for Student Research Paper

CRITERIA VERY WEAK SATISFACTORY GOOD EXCELLENT THESIS / ORIGINALITY Does the paper have a clear and strong argument? Does it reconsider the chosen topic with a strong individual vision?

The paper does not have a clear focus or topic. Thesis is weak.

The paper has a topic but not a thesis.

The thesis is general and could be more specific.

The thesis is clearly stated and represents a strong position.

ORGANIZATION Is the paper clearly and tightly structured and easy for the reader to follow? Are paragraphs sequences logical and transitions clarify relationships of ideas?

The paper has no clear structure, order or plan. Some repetition or irrelevant areas.

The paper is only loosely organized. Transitions are lacking.

The paper is generally organized and clear. Transitions clarify relationships of ideas.

The paper is clearly and carefully organized, with previews and transitions. Paragraph sequence is logical.

EVIDENCE/FILM ANALYSIS Does the writer present substantial and credible evidences /film analysis to support the argument?

The writer offers thoughts, opinions and hearsay but not solid evidence/film analysis.

The paper offers evidence/film analysis but it could be more complete or relevant.

The paper offers substantial evidence/film analysis to support the argument.

The paper offers plentiful, detailed, subtle and strongly relevant evidence/film analysis.

DEVELOPMENT/STYLE Is the paper neat and free from grammatical and typographical error? Does the writer use film terminology appropriately to analyze films?

There are significant lapses in grammar, syntax, spelling and/or presentation. Discussion lacks coherence. Film terminology used slightly.

The paper contains some errors in grammar, syntax and/or spelling. Points of discussion may have lapses in development. Some film terminology but lacks clarity.

The paper is largely free of mechanical errors. Discussion is coherent. Film terminology is used appropriately

The paper is free from mechanical defects and shows a sense of personal style, too. Discussion is coherent and film terminology excellently used to clarify points.

RESEARCH/AMOUNT OF WORK/ RELEVANCE Does the paper represent a substantial amount of work? Does it relate to the course topics? Does it have a works cited page with proper formatting? Does it use research (books as well as journals) appropriately?

The paper is seriously deficient in terms of the quantity of work it represents. It is not strongly relevant to the course. Does not have a works cited page and scarce use of research materials.

The paper represents a minimum but still adequate amount of work. The topic is somewhat relevant. It has a works cited page but lacks proper formatting. Uses some research materials.

The paper represents a substantial amount of work. The topic is strongly relevant. It has a works cited page with proper formatting. Uses substantial research materials.

The paper represents exceptionally thorough and careful work. The topic is deeply relevant. It has a works cited page with proper formatting and uses research materials to a greater extent.

OVERALL How does the paper measure up to college standards and the work of peers?

The paper is significantly below what we expect in a college course.

The paper satisfies the minimum standard.

The paper represents solid, credible and very good work.

The paper is superior to the majority.

GRADE D (= 1 point) C (= 2 points) B (= 3 points) A (=4 points, perfect score)

“A” & “B” PAPERS Substantially exceeds minimum standards: it is clear from the structure and development of the essay that the ultimate number of pages produced is the result of a logical pursuit of an explicit thesis that has been defended and supported by documented evidence, and not the result of a literal observance of the barest specified requirements. Characteristics: copious quotations from the reading, complete and lucid definition of terms, extended and logical development of themes and ideas under scrutiny, consistent use of detailed examples from the films or works under discussion, abundant evidence that the reading is being integrated and supplementary research sources are being employed––a rich, extended, textured, and nuanced presentation. .

"C" PAPER Meets minimum standards: a passing, acceptably competent fulfillment of the assignment. Characteristics: sparce quotations, limited employment of the reading assignment, abbreviated definition of terms, superficial development of themes or concepts, skeletal discussion of allied topics or implications, little documentation or support of generalities or assertions through the use of examples from the films or works under discussion, no indication that additional reading was accomplished or research sources were consulted, a generally thin and barren presentation. .

“D or N/A” [not acceptable] Does not satisfy minimum class standards: a paper clearly incompatible with literate communication. Characteristics: extensive and pervasive mechanical, grammatical, spelling, syntactical, structural errors; sloppiness, clearly no attempt at proofreading or revision; non-responsiveness to the content, directions, or guideline requirements of the assignment.