Learning Goal

Exceeds Expectations

Meets Expectations

Fails to Meet Expectations

1) Gather and analyze evidence from a variety of sources pertinent to the issue under study, including materials that might support opposing points of view.

20%

Student demonstrates strong proficiency to gather and analyze evidence from different sources, thoroughly comparing and contrasting viewpoints while also clearly explaining the subject matter of the paper.

Student demonstrates ability to gather and analyze evidence from different sources, comparing and contrasting viewpoints, while minimally explaining the subject matter of the paper.

Student fails to demonstrate ability to gather and analyze evidence from different sources, not comparing and contrasting viewpoints, and not clearly explaining the subject matter of the paper.

2. Evaluate the logic of persuasive rhetoric in arguments for all major positions on a topic and formulate cogent counter-arguments to each one.

20%

Student thoroughly analyzes multiple perspectives on a topic, and presents the arguments for and against each one.

Student analyzes multiple perspectives on a topic, and presents the arguments for and against each one, but in a less than complete fashion.

Student does not present an adequate analysis of multiple perspectives on a topic, and does not present appropriate arguments for and against each one.

3. Articulate an understanding of the ethical dimensions of significant issues or dilemmas under study.

20%

Student presents a thorough analysis of the ethical and legal issues surrounding the topic they are investigating, and an ability to distinguish between them.

Student presents a cursory analysis of the ethical and legal issues surrounding the topic they are investigating, and a minimal ability to distinguish between them.

Student does not present a coherent analysis of the ethical and legal issues surrounding the topic they are investigating, and a minimal ability to distinguish between them.

4. Construct and assess possible solutions to problems or dilemmas within an informed ethical and societal context.

20%

Student discusses in depth the issues surrounding possible solutions to the problems under consideration, and offers possible solutions to these concerns.

Student discusses some of the issues surrounding possible solutions to the problems under consideration, and offers possible solutions to these concerns, but only superficially.

Student fails to discuss some of the issues surrounding possible solutions to the problems under consideration, and offers incomplete solutions to these concerns.

5. Communicate arguments and conclusions effectively and clearly

10%

Student demonstrates proficiency in presenting arguments, identifying conclusions, distinguishing between premises and conclusions, and evaluating arguments.

Student demonstrates minimal proficiency in presenting arguments, identifying conclusions, distinguishing between premises and conclusions, and evaluating arguments.

Student does not demonstrate proficiency in presenting arguments, identifying conclusions, distinguishing between premises and conclusions, and evaluating arguments.

6. Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use, APA 6^th edition)

5%

Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.

Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are used.

Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice, sentence structure, and/or word choice are present.

7. Research Citations (In-text citations for paraphrasing and direct quotes, and reference page listing and formatting, as appropriate to assignment and style).

5%

No reference page is included. No citations are used.

Reference page is included and lists sources used in the paper. Sources are appropriately documented, although some errors may be present

In-text citations and a reference page are complete and correct. The documentation of cited sources is free of error.