Paper Grades
A range: clear, arguable thesis in first paragraph; clear appropriate methodology; topic sentences starting every body paragraph; effective close reading; verb-centered, grammatically sane prose; pleasant to read.
B range: insightful thesis clear by the end of the paper; most paragraphs have topic sentences; at least one or two close-read passages; implied methodology; no more than a few grammatical error per page; accessible to the reader.
C range: Thesis unclear or underdeveloped; paragraphs lacking topic sentences; little or no close reading; unclear or inappropriate methodology; many grammatical errors; hard to read.
D range: plot summary in lieu of a thesis; no sense of paragraphing; no close reading; no methodology; ungrammatical; unreadable.
F range: less than that.
Participation Grades
A Range: Consistently demonstrates having read and thought about the materials by, without prompting, raising questions, proposing ideas, and responding to comments from other students and the instructors.
B Range: Frequently demonstrates having read and thought about the materials by responding to questions prompted by the instructors.
C Range: Occasionally demonstrates having read and thought about the materials by speaking when called upon.
D Range: Usually does not engage in class discussion; occasionally demonstrates having read the materials.
F Range: Generally does not demonstrate having read the materials.
