Grades

Participation and journal = 25%

Source Analysis paper = 5%

Book Review = 10%

Annotated Bibliography = 5%

Historiographic Essay = 15%

Research Paper = 40%

Grading scale:  A=91-100; B=81-90; C=71-80; D=61-70; F=60 and below.  [Note that with this scale, turning in a bad paper for an F is still far better than not turning it in and earning a zero.] 

What do these grades really mean?

An "A" essay is one that is well-written and organized, has a substantial and interesting thesis, demonstrates strong argumentation, is well backed by the proper use of evidence, gets facts right, and displays originality of thought and interpretation.  An "A" is earned in discussion by demonstrating knowledge of the assigned reading materials and substantial thought about those materials, and by interacting productively with the thoughts, ideas and questions of one's classmates.  An "A" presentation is well-organized, beginning with the central question or argument of one's research; it is coherent, easy to follow, interesting; and makes good use of time.  It may be creative; it should make some use of visual aids.

A "B" essay is one that is lacking in one or two of the qualities above:  perhaps it is well-written and organized, displays originality of thought, and uses good evidence, but does not have very strong argumentation.  A "B" is earned in discussion by demonstrating a good knowledge of the assigned reading materials, and by interacting productively with the ideas of one's classmates.  A "B" presentation is one that is generally well-organized around a central argument or question, but lacks something in coherence, or flow, or balance. 

A "C" essay is one that fulfills the assigned task, but may have problems with writing and organization, or may be lacking in evidence.  A "C" is earned in discussion by participating productively even while showing that one has not read the assigned readings thoroughly.  A "C" presentation is adequate but not compelling. 

A "D" essay is one that partially fulfills the assigned task, but has substantial problems, such as the lack of a thesis, or poor writing and organization.  There may be an opportunity for re-writing an essay that earns a "D", if that essay is the first one of the semester, and at the discretion of the instructor.  A "D" is earned in discussion by showing up, warming a seat, and saying one thing.

An "F" essay is one that does not fulfill the assigned task.  There may be an opportunity for re-writing an essay that earns an "F", if that essay is the first one of the semester, and at the discretion of the instructor.  Absence from discussion earns a grade of zero.  A zero in discussion may be made up through submission by email of a substantial discussion of one's thoughts about the assigned reading (minimum 500 words), at the discretion of the instructor.