Paper Grades

Papers are graded in three categories. These are designed to help students see where they have done well and where they need to improve. Unfortunately, there is no way to make the categories mutually exclusive. How the student does in one area tends to affect one or both of the other categories.

A. Content and Understanding

A successful paper includes detailed and accurate use of sources. Among the questions for this category: How well does the student seem to understand the material? How precisely does this essay address the paper topic?

B. Analysis and Clarity

Students must analyze the arguments, clearly state their positions on the issues, and defend those positions. One should avoid ambiguous, vague, and unsubstantiated claims. In short, don’t make the reader guess. Good papers are clearly written and show that the student can effectively interact with the arguments being addressed.

C. Format

This is the nut-and-bolts category. Each paper is graded for grammar, spelling, punctuation, page layout, and proper citations.

Format Instructions:

Each paper should conform to the following format unless the assignment specifies something different:

· Do not use any direct quotes. Everything should be in your own words.

· Page numbers required.

· Double space. No extra space between paragraphs.

· 1 inch margins all around. Paragraphs should not be right-justified.

· 12 point, Times-roman font

· Use MLA style citations (that means both in-text citations and a reference list). See the Writing Center for help.

· Do not use a cover page. Use MLA formatting: first page.

· Use staples: no binders, paper clips, folded corners, glue, or spittle.

Special Instructions:

· Before turning in your paper, you must upload an electronic copy to Turnitin.com. A Class ID and Class Password will be provided for you when the paper is assigned. Once your upload is complete, you will have the opportunity to print a receipt. Print the first page only of this receipt and attach it to the hardcopy of your paper to be turned in at the beginning of class. Papers without this confirmation sheet will not be graded.

· While the quality of your writing in the paper should be better than on essay exams, both should look like they were produced by the same person. If your writing goes from freshman-level on exams to Shakespeare on your papers, I will not accept it. You can receive help with mistakes, but all the writing must be your own.

Hints:

· Strive for clarity and precision first, elegant prose second. It’s less important to sound good than it is to be clear. You needn’t use big words and long, complex sentences.

· Don’t write with me in mind. Another undergraduate who is not taking this class should be able to read it and understand what’s going on.

· Grammar, spelling, and punctuation count. These are easy points, nonetheless students continually find the need to impale themselves on formal mistakes.