Criteria

Levels of Achievement

Content

Advanced

Proficient

Developing

Not Present

Points Earned

Analysis of Material

27 to 29 points

All elements of the assigned topic are clearly and completely addressed in light of 3–5-page limit. Analyses flow in a logical and effective manner, address all elements of the assignment thoroughly, and reach the nuances of the issues raised. Complex issues are navigated with precision, clarity, and detail.

24 to 26 points

Major elements of the assigned topic are discussed in a meaningful way, but the memorandum would benefit from additional clarity, depth, or detail. Analyses are generally well constructed and complex issues are recognized.

1 to 23 points

Some elements of the assigned topic are mentioned, but the discussion is incomplete, unclear, superficial, too general, or otherwise does not meet expectations. Analyses are general and lacking in depth. Complex issues and nuances are overlooked.

0 points

Assigned elements are not discussed.

Organization

The memorandum is focused and well organized. The memorandum has a clear thesis, and a clear and substantive introduction and conclusion. The memorandum effectively uses headings and subheadings as appropriate to focus and deepen analyses.

24 to 26 points

The memorandum is reasonably well organized and follows a logical path from idea to idea and section to section. The memorandum includes an adequate introduction and conclusion.

The memorandum is in need of additional organization and clarity. Ideas and/or sections of the memorandum either do not flow logically, or are in need of fundamental improvement. The memorandum is lacking an adequate introduction and/or conclusion.

The memorandum lacks meaningful organization and an introduction and conclusion.

Evaluation, Synthesis, and Adequate Use of Sources

Sources, concepts and ideas are evaluated critically and synthesized in a manner that moves beyond restatement and makes a valuable contribution to the assigned topic.

24 to 26 points
Sources are used correctly and support the memorandum’s analyses and conclusions. Concepts and ideas are understood and linked in a reasonable way that supports the memorandum’s conclusions. Memorandum reflects a good familiarity with the major ideas, but would benefit from greater critical evaluation and synthesis.

Some sources are used, but are not critically evaluated and/or not used in an effective manner. Memorandum would benefit from a more substantive use of sources, more appropriate reliance on sources, and/or better skill in evaluating, synthesizing, or applying ideas, concepts, or sources.

Sources are not used; ideas and concepts from sources are not evaluated or synthesized.

Structure

Current APA Format Elements

11.25 to 12 points

Citations and format are in current APA style. Cover page, bibliography, etc. are correctly formatted. Memorandum is double-spaced with 1-inch margins and 12-point Times New Roman font.

10 to 11 points

Citations and format are in current APA style with few errors. Cover page, bibliography, etc. are present with few errors. Memorandum is double-spaced with 1-inch margins and 12 point Times New Roman font.

1 to 9 points

Citations and format are in current APA style, though several errors are present. Cover page, bibliography, etc., are included, though several errors are present. Memorandum is double-spaced, but margins or font are incorrect.

Citations are not formatted correctly. Cover page, bibliography, etc. are not included, or are formatted incorrectly. Memorandum is not double-spaced, margins are incorrect, or font is incorrect.

Mechanics

No grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors are present. Writing is precise and word choice is appropriate.

10 to 11 points

Few grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors are present. Writing style is sufficient and word choice is adequate.

Several grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors are present. Writing style is understandable, but could be improved. Word choice is generally good.

Numerous spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors are present. Writing style is difficult to understand and word choice is poor.

Research Elements

13 to 14 points

High quality primary and secondary sources are utilized in a mature and effective manner. Research effectively incorporates multiple nuanced viewpoints of complex issues. At least 2 scholarly sources are used (in addition to the course text, assigned readings, and the Bible). A complete and accurate bibliography is provided. Arguments are correctly and effectively supported by research.

11.75 to 12.75 points

Primary and secondary sources of acceptable and appropriate nature and quality are utilized. Research reflects multiple viewpoints of complex issues. At least 2 scholarly sources are used (in addition to the course text, assigned readings, and the Bible) are used. A complete and accurate bibliography is provided. Arguments are acceptably supported by research.

1 to 11.5 points

Fewer than 4 sources of an acceptable and appropriate nature and quality are utilized. Research does not reflect multiple viewpoints of complex issues. An incomplete or inaccurate bibliography is provided. Arguments are only tangentially supported by research. Arguments incorporate research, but often include or rely upon personal opinion without appropriate support. Sources are used inappropriately at times.

Appropriate sources are not used or are lacking entirely. Arguments are not supported by research. Opposing viewpoints are dismissed or ignored. Bibliography is incomplete or missing.

Total

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