The following criteria are intended to supply general guidelines tahat explain the rationale of grading. As general guidelines, they must be applied to your concrete work. Sometimes, one particular aspect of your work (poor writing style, insufficient understanding of the material, incoherent presentation of the material, etc.) can cause your grade to drop considerably, even if your work otherwise demonstrates strengths. The more advanced the class, the more rigorously the standards will be applied (particularly in terms of theoretical sophistication and originality).

 

A (excellent)	Your work is excellent and shows exceptional command of the material. Thus, it considerably exceeds the criteria for a "B." Both the organization of your work and your writing style are outstanding and reveal considerable insight into the relation between form and content. In a long paper or thesis, you present an original, comprehensive, and critical analysis that shows a thorough understanding of the subject and makes significant use of sources in addition to the required course readings. The argumentation is well thought through and developed in a systematic and consistent manner. Theories and methods pertaining to the topic are not only correctly reconstructed and applied, but also critically evaluated in the light of your own research. Citations, style and grammar, and outline of your paper are in excellent shape. In a short paper, you develop a differentiated, well thought-out, and original idea, combined with a well-constructed presentation and an excellent understanding of both the material and the assignment. This grade honors an excellent piece of work that goes well beyond expectations. It recognizes that you have made a special effort and that this effort has succeeded. Back to top
B (good)	Your work is good and demonstrates an above average understanding of the material, but doesn't have the depth and outstanding quality of an "A." It is generally well organized and more than merely an accurate summary of the material. Both the content and the form display significant effort in avoiding errors, though they usually have some minor errors. In a long paper or thesis, you combine a good and critical understanding of the subject with evidence that you did some research beyond the required readings. The paper flows well and presents clear and well supported arguments. Theories and methods are correctly reconstructed and applied. Grammar, spelling, and punctuation are basically in good shape, and the same is true for the citation style and outline of your paper. In a short paper, you develop an original idea, combined with good writing, a consistent presentation, and a good understanding of both the material and the assignment. This grade recognizes your effort in doing a good job that exceeds the minimum requirements and includes some original, independent thought. Back to top
C (average)	Your work reveals a sufficient understanding of the material. Rather than presenting original ideas, it does little more than summarize the material. Content and form don't go beyond basic expectations and/or display some substantial errors. In a long paper or thesis, you demonstrate an adequate understanding of the subject and familiarity with the required readings. Although your arguments are supported with some evidence, they might lack original thought (e.g., be directly taken from the readings) or be presented somewhat confusingly. At least some of the theories and methods are correctly reconstructed and applied. The writing is generally understandable but might include some inattention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Citations and the outline of your paper are generally acceptable but may have some problems. In a short paper, you develop an on-target idea, combined with comprehensible writing, an adequate presentation, and a satisfactory understanding of both the material and the assignment. Usually, this grade is given for acceptable and non-exceptional work that doesn't show much effort to do more than meet the minimum requirements. This grade also covers work that is well done in some respects but very weak in others. Back to top
D (barely sufficient)	Your work is barely sufficient and may reveal less than adequate understanding of the material, or it may be fairly incoherent, misapply most of relevant material, or give a lopsided, incomplete recitation of it. Content and/or form do not adequately meet basic expectations. In a long paper or thesis, you may demonstrate only a rudimentary understanding of the subject, or your arguments express mere unsubstantiated opinion. Your paper may be incoherently organized, lack logical structure, or fail to address the topic. Most aspects of the theories and methods are incorrectly reconstructed and/or applied. An otherwise acceptable paper may show crass sloppiness with regard to grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Citations, writing, and/or outline of your paper may have severe problems. In a short paper, your idea may not be on-target, your writing might be incoherent. Your presentation and/or understanding of both the material and the assignment is less than adequate. This grade is assigned when your work shows severe problems in one or more areas. A grade of "D" should be understood as a warning sign that something is wrong with your studying habits and techniques and that you would be wise to come to my office hours or seek other advice on how to improve (e.g. the Academic Advancement Center). Back to top
F (fail)	Your work does not meet the most minimal standards. It reveals no understanding of the material, lack of basic academic skills and knowledge, or completely incomprehensible writing. All in all, your work is not acceptable. You should immediately seek expert help (for example, from the Academic Advancement Center, Alden Library, First Floor). Back to top