Final Paper

10 pts

Paper makes great use applying economic theory to the topic (explaining the economics in the issue), includes economically logical conclusions, student excels at predicting future economic trends, events or conclusions based on the reasoning used.

8 pts

Paper makes good use applying economic theory to the topic (explaining the economics in the issue), may include basic economically logical conclusions/projections.

5 pts

Paper incorporates economic theory in explaining the topic (explaining the economics in the issue.) Little more than stating the economic theory is included. No use of economically logical conclusions.

3 pts

Paper makes no application of economic theory to the topic. Is just descriptive of the topic in nature. Provides no evidence student connected economic theory to topic.

10 pts

Paper makes great use of course material, readings, and supplements. Easily maps to a number of learning outcomes in the syllabus.

8 pts

Paper makes good use of course material and readings. Little outside supplements are included. Maps to a number of learning outcomes in the syllabus.

5 pts

Paper makes basic use of course material. Typically no outside supplements or research in included. Difficult to map to a number of learning outcomes in the syllabus.

3 pts

Paper makes no real constructive use of course material. One could consider this an opinion paper with no real supporting material. Difficult to map to a number of learning outcomes in the syllabus.

10 pts

Paper contains evidence of solid research effort drawing from many strong academic sources.

8 pts

Paper contains evidence of medium research effort in number and strength of resources.

5 pts

Paper contains evidence of minimal research effort or success drawing from few or weak sources (Wikipedia).

3 pts

Paper contains evidence of no real research effort including no real source of research.

10 pts

Paper makes exemplary use of credible statistical evidence.

8 pts

Paper makes good use of credible statistical evidence.

5 pts

Statistical evidence is partial, weak or inappropriate.

0 pts

No statistical evidence is presented.

10 pts

Thesis is well developed and supported, feeds conclusion. Contradictory views plausibly handled.

8 pts

Thesis is adequately developed and supported, only partially supports the conclusion. Contradictory views not treated adequately.

5 pts

Thesis is not adequately developed and logically supported, conclusion not supported. Contradictory views not treated.

3 pts

Thesis is not developed or supported. Conclusion missing or not supported. Contradictory views not treated adequately.

15 pts

References are well documented in both the body and reference section in a consistent form. Many more than the minimum number of sources.

12 pts

References are inconsistently documented in body and reference section. References are not ideally matched to content. Five sources and at least three journals contained.

8 pts

References are poorly documented in body and reference section. References not appropriate to content or not current. Less than minimum requirements.

5 pts

Almost no references documented. Inappropriate references. Fewer than five sources or fewer than three journal articles. Reliance on nonquality web sources.

10 pts

Writing is grammatically correct, clear and flowing.

8 pts

Writing should be polished for stronger presentation.

5 pts

Writing needs work for clarity, organization and grammatical presentation.

2 pts

Clear indication that this is a draft with serious need for review and editing.

5 pts

No spelling errors that distract the reader from the content.

4 pts

Less than 1% of word total have errors in spelling that distract the reader from content.

2 pts

Frequent (3-4%) spelling errors that distract the reader from content.

0 pts

Significantly more than 4% spelling errors that distract the reader from the content.

10 pts

Organization is logical and easy to follow. Includes introductory overview and supportable conclusion.

8 pts

Organization is evident but could be strengthened.

5 pts

Organization is weak. Introduction and conclusion are not clearly delineated in body of work.

3 pts

Organization is almost nonexistent and represents just a free flow of ideas.

10 pts

APA style is employed perfectly.

8 pts

Few errors in APA style and most are inconsequential.

5 pts

Many features of APA style are ignored.

0 pts

APA style ignored completely.