The
method of grading in this course is criterion-referenced. The
criterial levels of performance are as follows. This is also known as a performance
scale and
each paragraph
below is a descripter:
- A+
: In general, a 'plus' grade indicates that you have displayed the
criteria of the grade to which it is attached "plus" a few criteria (or
one important criterion) of the level diately
above.
- A
: Work at the A-level displays accurate understanding of claims by
class sources (reading, lectures, class discussions). Virtually no
content accuracy errors are expected at the A-level. Furthermore,
A-level work uses those claims (facts, quasi-facts, opinions, beliefs,
values, etc.) in an identifiable, organized, balanced and coherent
manner to support stances on issues.
- B
: Work at the B-level also displays accurate understanding of the
claims made by class sources, though some very minor misunderstandings
are possible. It uses those claims to support stances on issues.
- B-level
work displays clear re-construction of argumentative streams presented
in class materials. That is, work at this level often paraphrases
closely the readings and class discussions on which the course is
based. The argument of B-level is also successful.
- C: Work at the C-level displays understanding of the
majority of the
claims made by class sources. Misunderstandings of those class sources
may be present in a noticeable quantity. C-level work uses those claims
to construct an argument, though the structure of the argument is
probably not successful for reasons such as the following: (1) the
argument may benefit from further tightening, or (2) the structure of
the argument may be difficult to identify.
- C-level
work probably also re-creates or paraphrases discussion streams
presented in class. The streams may not be successful, possibly due to
the misunderstandings noted above or possibly due to failure to
completely re-create them.
- F
: Incompletes (i.e. 'F' grades) will only be granted under the
most
exceptional circumstances. No automatic 'F' grades will be granted
simply because you turn in your tasks and project late.
