iRubric: Topical Research in International Relations rubric

Student presents a clear explanation of the event or issue that will be examined. A history of the issue, from multiple sources is provided.

Student presents a clear explanation of the event or issue that will be examined. A description of the history of the issue is provided, but sourcing/research is limited.

Presents a clear explanation of the event or issue that will be, historical context is superficial.

Presents a very limited explanation of the event or issue that is being analyzed, and has no historical context of the event/issue included.

Is unclear or seriously limited in presenting or developing the issue or event which will be analyzed

Missing

Student's analysis of the issue/event in question covers all of the important points. Student addresses strengths or weaknesses in the policy decisions that were made, and discusses how he/she would have handled it differently, and WHY. Reference to the theoretical paradigm used is a plus.

Student's analysis of the issue/event in question covers most of the important points. Students addresses most of the strengths and weaknesses in the policy decisions that were made, and attempts a discussion of how he or she thinks it SHOULD have been handled, and why.

The student's analysis of the event in question attempts to cover at least two varying positions on the issue. Student attempts to address the strengths and weaknesses in the policy decisions that were made, but may have trouble putting them into appropriate context.

The student has attempted a half-hearted analysis which has touched on some relevant issues, but has largely fallen short.

Missing

The paper meets the standards assigned for margins, type size, spacing. Page numbers are present. The front page of the paper includes a 1-2 paragraph summary of the issue being explored, and the general findings. The student's name is included as a header on the pages. If the paper is not submitted electronically, it is turned in stapled in the top left corner, and is 9-11 pages in length, excluding the summary page and any citations/bibliography.

The paper meets the standards assigned for margins, type size, spacing. Page numbers are present. The front page includes a 1-2 paragraph summary of the issue being explored, and the general findings. The students name is included in typewritten form. If the paper is not submitted electronically, it is turned in stapled in the top left corner, and is 8-10 pages in length, excluding the summary page and any citations/bibliography.

The paper meets the standards assigned for margins, type size, spacing. Page numbers are present. The front page summary is minimal. The students name is included. If the paper is not submitted electronically, it is stapled in the top left corner, and is 7-9 pages in length, excluding the summary page and any citations/bibliography.

The paper meets most, but not all of the standards assigned for margins, type size, spacing. Page numbers may or may not be present. No front page summary. Paper is 7 pages or less, excluding the summary page and any citations/bibliography.

The paper is missing significant portions of the aforementioned requirements and/or is significantly under 7 pages of analysis in length (excluding summary page and citations/bibliography).

Paper uses at least 8 different relevant sources, showing a depth and breadth of research effort. Sources should be of different types (scholarly journals, primary sources like newspaper articles, appropriate web pages)

Paper uses at least 6 different relevant sources, showing some depth of research effort. Sources should be of a variety of types.

Paper uses at least 5 different relevant sources, showing an effort at research. Sources should be of a variety of types.

Paper uses 3 or fewer relevant sources .

Paper uses 1 or 2 relevant sources.

Missing