Experience shows that many students do not read comments made on their writing.

That is certainly within their rights, but it suggests that writing such comments is a poor use of a professor’s time.

In this class, I will respond to your work with a graded rubric (see below), and hope that this offers enough direction for many students.  If you would like to receive more feedback, please print out a copy of your essay or discussion forum entry and stop by my office.  I am always happy to discuss your writing with you.

Short Papers

Each paper will receive up to 10 points:

Length (0-2 pts)

2 = the minimum specified length reached.

1 = 80% of the minimum specified length reached

Summary (how well you summarized the relevant material: 0-2 pts)

2 = a perfect summary. You captured what was essential to the reading with the fewest number of words possible.

1 = irrelevant details were included, or the essence of the reading was neglected.

0 = the summary needs a complete overhaul.

Discussion (organization and understanding: 0-3 pts)

3 = excellent discussion; enjoyable to read and helpful.

2 = coherent, adequate discussion, possibly with minor problems of organization or understanding.

1 = organizational problems make the discussion difficult to follow, or else it is evident that you’ve seriously misunderstood the reading.

0 = (speaks for itself, alas)

Grammar/Spelling/Mechanics (for the paper as a whole: 0-3)

3 = flawless writing, with neither typos nor misspellings.

2 = one to three errors.

1 = four or more errors.

0 = you need to pay closer attention to what you write.