Phil

Writing (25%)

Needs Improvement

Good

Excellent

Does the author provide a clear thesis at the outset?

Do they respond to the question sufficiently?

Does the author have a clear command of writing mechanics?

The writing suffers from several of the following problems: the writing is unclear, wordy, or convoluted. The purpose of sentences, paragraphs, or the writing overall is not clear. It is disorganized.

The language is generally clear and precise. Most of the writing is somewhat clear, succinct, and direct, but improvement is needed. The answer is generally well organized but may need some improvement. There may be several grammatical and/or spelling errors.

The writing is generally clear, succinct, and direct. The purpose of sentences and paragraphs, and the writing overall, are almost always clear. The paper is well-organized. The grammar and spelling are near perfect.

Exegesis, Argument, Insight (50%)

Needs Improvement

Good

Excellent

How well does the author present, understand, and make appropriate use of the relevant material? How well does the author understand the issues involved?

Does the author use well- reasoned arguments to support their position? Do the claims made in different parts of the exercise follow from one another and are they consistent?

How insightful is the response?

There is no relevant exegesis. The paper may be purely argumentative, suffer from major inaccuracies, or is mostly irrelevant, unclear, or uncharitable.

There is no argument. The exercise may be purely expository or merely assert its thesis without argument or reasoning.

The essay attempts to repeat arguments or ideas from texts or lectures/discussions, or attempts to give an original response, but shows a serious lack of understanding of the material in either case.

The exegesis is mostly accurate, relevant, clear, and charitable, but there is much room for improvement.

The claims somewhat support the thesis and are stated fairly clearly though they may be inadequately developed or unsupported, or their relevance to the thesis may be somewhat unclear.

Thesis, arguments, and/or interpretations of texts reflect some original thought but could use more.

The exegesis is almost entirely accurate, relevant, clear, and charitable.

The considerations provided clearly support the thesis and are stated clearly and succinctly.

Creative thesis, argument and/or interpretations of texts that spark new ideas and questions in the reader beyond what is in the texts and lectures; takes risks and reflects deep thought and effort.

Application (25%)

Needs Improvement

Good

Excellent

How well does the

author apply the course material to the question?

The application is incorrect, and/or misrepresents the view. The student has not demonstrated understanding of the course material.

The application is somewhat sound but may be inaccurate in parts. The student has demonstrated some understanding of the course material.

The application is accurate and appropriate to the theory/author/concepts. The student has demonstrated sufficient understanding of the course material.