S15 ISPF Rubric/grading guidelines

Main rubric criteria:

1) Cogency (Is the paper cogent? Is there a clear and well-articulated argument?)

2) Synthesis(Does the essay adequately synthesize content from both the required readings [some or all] and the talk? Outside sources are not required, but students must at least draw on both the assigned readings and the talk)

3) Originality (Is the essay simply the regurgitation of information, or is originality demonstrated and substantiated with relevant information?)

4) Length (word count from the title to the end of the essay body, including in-text citations; does not include headers and the end-of-the-essay bibliography if there is one)

Other deductions when applicable:

Proper references/citations: partial point deductions (up to 1 pt.) if there are inadequate or no necessary citations

If there are so many careless spelling, punctuation, etc. mistakes that impede the reader's understanding of the essay, partial points will be deducted (up to 1 pt.). Points will not be deducted for non-native English mistakes if it is evident that the mistakes stem from English being the student's second language (and not carelessness).

Timeliness: partial point deductions for late submissions (up to 2 pts.) (e.g. -0.5 pt. if late [after 5pm] on Monday, additional -0.5 pt. each additional day late until Friday after due date; up to -2 pts. max [we will accept late papers until Friday at 5pm, but timeliness will already be 0 pt. if submitted any time on Thursday or Friday].

Note: You may see something like this (below) on your returned/graded essays (please check your EEE return drop box every week to access and read our comments/feedback). The numbers correspond to the criteria numbers above.