| CRITERIA | OUTSTANDING | VERY GOOD | GOOD | UNACCEPTABLE |
| Integration of Knowledge 25% of the total grade | 100%The paper demonstrates that the author understands and has applied concepts learned in the course. Concepts are integrated into the writer’s own insights. The writer provides concluding remarks that show analysis and synthesis of ideas. | 80%The paper demonstrates that the author, mostly, understands and has applied concepts learned in the course. Some conclusions, however, are not supported in the body of the paper. | 60%The paper demonstrates that the author, to a certain extent, understands and has applied concepts learned in the course. | 40%The paper does not demonstrate that the author has understood, and applied concepts learned in the course. |
| Topic Focus 25% of the total Grade | 100%The topic is focused narrowly enough for the scope of this assignment. A thesis statement provides direction for the paper, either by a statement of a position or hypothesis. The topic is consistently well thought out, thorough offers insight into the topic, and includes cited evidence to support the topic. | 80%The topic is focused but lacks direction. The paper is about a specific topic, but the writer has not established a position. The topic is somewhat well thought out, offers limited insight into the topic, but does not include cited evidence to support the topic. | 60%The topic is too broad for the scope of this assignment. | 40%The topic is unclear or unrelated to the discussion topic with little or no supporting evidence. |
| Depth of Discussion and Cohesiveness25% of the total grade | 100%In-depth discussion and elaboration in all sections of the paper.Ties together information from all sources. Paper flows from one issue to the next with no headings. The author’s writing demonstrates an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources Mostly, it ties together information from all sources. | 80%In-depth discussion and elaboration in most sections of the paper.Mostly, it ties together information from all sources. Paper flows with only some disjointedness. The author’s writing demonstrates an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources. | 60%The writer has omitted content. Quotations from others outweigh the writer’s own ideas excessively.Sometimes ties together information from all sources. The paper does not flow. Disjointedness is apparent. The author’s writing does not demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between material obtained from all sources. | 40%Cursory discussion in all the sections of the paper or brief discussion in only a few sections It does not tie together information. Paper does not flow and appears to be created from disparate issues. Headings are necessary to link concepts. Writing does not demonstrate an understanding any relationship |
| Spelling and Grammar12% of the total grade | 100%Fewer than 5 grammatical, spelling, capitalization, or punctuation errorsThe required word count has been met. | 80%More than 5 but fewer than 10 grammatical, spelling, capitalization & punctuation errorsThe required word count is 25 words below the minimum required count. | 60%More than 10 grammatical, spelling, capitalization & punctuation errorsThe required word count is 50 words below the minimum required count. | 40%An unacceptable number of spelling and/or grammar mistakes.The required word count is more than 50 words below the minimum required count. |
| Sources7% of the total grade | 100%Over 3 current sources, of which at least 3 are peer-review journal articles or scholarly books. Sources include both general background sources and specialized sources. Special-interest sources and popular literature and acknowledged as such if they are cited. All websites utilized are authoritative. | 80%3 current sources, of which at least 2 are peer-review journal articles or scholarly books. All websites utilized are authoritative. | 60%Fewer than 3 current sources or fewer than 2 of 3 are peer-reviewed journal articles or scholarly books. All websites utilized are credible. | 40%Fewer than 3 current sources or fewer than 2 of 3 are peer-reviewed journal articles or scholarly books. Not all websites utilized are credible, and/or sources are not current. |
| Citations6% of
the total grade
| 100%Fewer than 5 incomplete citations and/or quotations, and APA format errors | 80%More than 5 but fewer than 10 incomplete citations and/or quotations, and APA format errors. | 60%More than 10 incomplete citations and/or quotations, or APA format errors. | 40%The citation style is inconsistent or incorrect. It does not cite sources. |
