Professor Miguel Martinez-Saenz
Expectations:
Has the student clearly planned, prepared, edited, and revised the paper?
Does the student display critical thinking skills?
Does the student analyze issues clearly and precisely?
Does the student recognize questionable assumptions?
Is the student able to distinguish between the relevant and irrelevant?
Does the student clarify key concepts?
How many grammar errors does the paper contain?
Are there any spelling errors?
Does the student identify and remain aware of competing positions?
Are the student’s arguments clear and well supported?
Does the student recognize some of the implications of his or her position?
Is the paper well-reasoned?
A
-A paper that shows deep insight into the assigned reading and a unique and
creative response to the questions or problems posed.
-The student shows an overall willingness to excel, demonstrating that he or she has understood the value of critical thinking and the importance of its application.
-The student demonstrates that he or she is beginning to take charge of his or her own ideas.
-The student makes evident his or her ability to analyze issues clearly and precisely.
-All major claims will be fully supported with clear reasons and arguments.
-The student shows a general tendency to reason carefully from clearly stated premises, as well as noticeable sensitivity to important implications and consequences.
B
–A paper that adequately answers the questions and shows a clear understanding
of the assignment.
-The student demonstrates a genuine interest and a concerted effort in planning, preparing and writing the paper.
-The student demonstrates not only an ability to grasp the underlying principles behind critical thinking but shows an ability to apply these principles when reading and writing.
-The paper is clear, precise, and well-supported. On the whole, critical thinking terms and distinctions are used effectively.
-The paper will, however, have grammatical errors, but ones that do not compromise the clarity of the paper.
C
-A paper that demonstrates an understanding of the assignment and shows signs
of comprehending the basic principles of critical thinking.
-The biggest problem is that the student is inconsistent in stating clearly his or her objective and in providing reasons and arguments for his or her position.
-While the student shows some critical thinking skills, he or she also reveals noticeable weaknesses.
-Overall the student seems to be going through the motions of the assignment without engaging with the issues, ideas and assumptions.
D
-A paper that shows minimal effort and meets the very minimum requirements.
-The student shows very little understanding of the assignment and has not demonstrated a willingness to take the time to prepare, plan, and write the essay.
-While imprecise and vague, the student has stated his or her objective.
-The major problem is that the objective is not supported by reasons or arguments.
-There is little evidence that the student is "reasoning" through the assignment.-
F
-A paper that fails to meet any of the requirements, e.g., page requirement,
late, etc.
-The student does not understand the basic nature of critical thinking or does not display critical thinking skills in the essay.
-There is little evidence that the student is genuinely engaged and has made a concerted effort to prepare an essay that implements the strategies and techniques presented in class.
-The paper has many grammatical flaws.
-The work is vague, imprecise, and unreasoned.
Plagiarizing will not be tolerated. Refer to your “Student Handbook” for Wittenberg University’s policy regarding academic dishonesty.