Response Papers: The response papers are an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the readings, lectures, and discussions. You are required to rely heavily on the assigned readings and are encouraged to draw upon your own knowledge, material/ideas f, items in the news, etc. Papers are graded on your analysis of the particular topic, the coherence of and research support for the argument, and originality. The limited word count is meant to train you in keeping your thoughts, questions, and arguments concise, a skill which is often required in academic work, grant writing, and report writing.
.Response Papers: The response papers are an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the readings, lectures, and discussions. Response papers are individual assignments. You are required to rely heavily on the assigned readings and are encouraged to draw upon your own knowledge, material/ideas from other classes, items in the news, etc. Papers are graded on your analysis of the particular topic, the coherence of and research support for the argument, and originality. The limited word count is meant to train you in keeping your thoughts, questions, and arguments concise, a skill which is often required in academic work, grant writing, and report writing. Works cited/references are not included in the word count. *I am not strict about word count if you go OVER the limit – within reason. Aim for 600-800 words.
Your written work will be evaluated by the criteria below in order to give you specific feedback to help guide your development as a writer and critical thinker. Your response paper will not be graded point by point by these items; it will be graded for its overall quality.
Presentation: 20%
1. The purpose and focus are clear and consistent.
2. The main claim is clear, significant, and challenging.
3. Organization is purposeful, effective, and appropriate.
5. Punctuation, grammar, spelling, citations, and mechanics are correct.
Content: 40%
6. Information and evidence are accurate, appropriate, and integrated effectively.
7. Claims and ideas are supported and elaborated.
8. Alternative perspectives are carefully considered and represented.
Critical Thinking: 40%
9. Connections between and among ideas are made.
10. Analysis/synthesis/evaluation/interpretation are effective and consistent.
11. Independent thinking is evident.
12. Creativity/originality is evident.
Overall Evaluation 10 – 0