iRubric: AFRS 647 Major Authors in Africana Studies rubric

Very well-developed introduction with a clear thesis statement that introduces the literary theme and makes a central point about it. It engages the reader and creates interest. Contains accurate and complete information regarding the theme to be described.

Introduction contains a thesis statement.
The thesis creates interest and is fairly well developed. But while it contains accurate and complete information regarding the literary theme being described, it is not very engaging.

Introduction contains a thesis statement, but it either does not give accurate and complete information about the literary theme, or it lacks detail and creativity.

Thesis is misleading, hard to find, or does not present a compelling argument for the description.

The introduction does not contain a thesis statement. It does not introduce the central theme of the essay.

Paper effectively explores the use of 1 literary criticism to discuss course literature. The criticism is used correctly, explained well and paper identifies the progenitor of the criticism.

Paper explores the use of 1 literary criticism to discuss course literature. The criticism is used correctly, but is lacking substance in terms of quality of writing.

Paper attempts the use of 1 literary criticism to discuss literature. The criticism is used correctly, but is not explained well. Paper omits the progenitor of the criticism(s). This in done ineffectively and there are gaps in the utility of the scholarly source in relation to the overall paper theme/thesis/argument.

Paper explores the use of 1 literary criticism to discuss course literature. The criticism is used not correctly, and is not explained well. Paper omits the progenitor of the criticism(s).

Paper does not explore any literary criticism or scholarly sources to discuss literature.

Paper includes 4 - 5 TOTAL literary sources to explore the paper theme. The analysis is stellar, clear and supports the overall thesis and paper argument.

Paper includes 3 - 4 TOTAL literary sources to explore the paper theme. The analysis is adequate and supports the overall theme, thesis and paper argument.

Paper includes 2 - 3 external literary sources to explore the paper theme. The analysis and incorporation of the source is weak.

Paper identifies 1 (or 2) external scholarly sources. However, these sources may/not be representative of the theme, thesis and/or overall argument of the paper.

No external scholarly sources are used to support either the theme, thesis and/or overall argument of the paper.

Writing is smooth, skillfull, and coherent. Sentences are strong and expressive with varied structure. Consistent and appropriate tone and word choice is used throughout the paper. Sensory language is used to "show, not tell" the reader what is being described.

Writing is clear and sentences have varied structure. There is consistent tone and word choice is appropriate with fairly good use of sense language to create imagery.

Writing is clear, but sentences may lack variety. The tone is inconsistent and word choice, while adequate, could be better. While sensory language is used, it is not very effective in creating imagery.

Writing appears rushed or underdeveloped.

Writing is confusing and hard to follow. Contains fragments and/or run-on sentences. The tone and purpose is inconsistent and difficult to determine. Word choice is inadequate.

Perfect APA formatting: correctly formatted header, title page and works cited page; paper is 13-15 full length pages; paper is typed in 12 point Times New Roman font with 1 inch margins and is double spaced.

2-3 errors but paper is recognizable as APA: missing the correct format of either the header, title page OR works cited page; paper is 10-12 pages long. Paper is typed in different sized/type font other than 12 point Times New Roman font and margins are 1 inch around and is double spaced. Contractions may be evident.

4+ errors and paper is hard to recognize as APA: missing the correct format of two items (title page, header, works cited page); Paper less than 10 pages (9.5 or 9.75 pgs). Paper is typed in 12 point font but is not in Times New Roman font type and the margins are 1 inch around. Paper uses double spacing.

5+ errors and paper does not show evidence of APA formatting, though it is typed clearly. Most aspects of formatting are incorrect. Paper less than 8 pages. Paper is not typed using Times New Roman, does not use 12 point font and the margins exceed or are under 1 inch. Paper either exceeds double spacing or uses single spacing throughout.

APA formatting not evident at all. Presentation makes it difficult to read. Paper does not meet paper length requirements. It is evident student did not attempt to properly format paper.