Exceeds Expectations

Meets Expectations

Fails to meet expectations

Thesis

Student articulates a clear and persuasive thesis that is situated in the appropriate historical literature

Student articulates an identifiable and logical thesis

Student fails to articulate an identifiable and logical thesis

Organization

Engaging, scholarly introduction and conclusion; coherent and consistent structure; sophisticated transitions; ideas and themes fully developed in separate paragraphs

Functional introduction and conclusion; identifiable transitions (including topic sentences which relate back to thesis); few logical problems

Poor or no introduction and/or conclusion; absence of connections between thesis and paragraphs; few or excessively long or short paragraphs.

Evidence Analysis

Substantial evidence; courses integrated to clearly and effectively defend the thesis; skilled analysis of sources in light of their historical context

Sufficient evidence; sources credibly used to support a thesis; functional use of primary and secondary sources; analyzes sources in light of their historical context

Use of only one or no sources; if present, sources not analyzed to support thesis; overlooks historical context of documents.

Style

Skillful attention to sentence structure and word choice; no grammatical errors that inhibit clarity; only minor errors in usage, punctuation, or spelling

Proper sentence structure; few grammatical, mechanical and usage errors, slang, or clichés.

Incoherent sentence structure and word choice; frequent grammatical, mechanical, and usage errors.

Documentation

Consistent attention to proper format for citation and proper use of sources; highest level of academic integrity.

Sufficient attention to guidelines for citation and proper use of sources; no plagiarism.

Lack of attention to guidelines for citation of sources; evidence of plagiarism.