Assignments:

I will score assignments using the following designations: Strong, Complete, Incomplete.  While "Strong" and "Complete" assignments do not require revision, you will have one week to revise and resubmit "Incomplete" assignments for credit.  (You may also revise "Complete" assignments for a "Strong" designation provided you accomplish substantial revision within one week of its return to you.)  You must complete all assignments, and those who submit all assignments on time with a "Complete" designation will earn a B for their assignment grade.  A preponderance of "Strong" designations will garner an A.

Papers:

Your paper grade is a quantity rather than quality grade.  That is, the number of papers you submit determines the grade you receive for this portion of the class:

• 2 papers = C

• 3 papers = B

• 4 papers = A

Please follow this link for vital information concerning
format and length requirements.

Before you can submit any paper to me for credit, it must have been cleared by all four of our Endorsement Groups.  If I agree with the Endorsement Groups that the paper meets all minimum criteria, it will count toward your paper grade.  How you pace yourself through these submissions is up to you; please know, however, that two important deadlines exist.

• Everyone must have submitted at least one fully endorsed paper that exceeds four full pages by the deadline announced in our course schedule.  If I agree with the EGs that the paper meets all minimum criteria, it will count towards your paper grade, and you will be eligible for a paper grade of A.  If I do not agree or if you do not make this deadline, you will have to content yourself with a B or C, depending upon how many more qualifying papers you write, as your paper grade.

• Our final day of class at 4:00 p.m. is your last opportunity to submit group-endorsed papers for credit.

Participation:

Please see Course Policies for grading criteria.  The participation grade includes your performance in Endorsement Groups.

Draft Evaluation: Translating the E, M, and L

I believe that evaluating an unfinished piece is counterproductive and unfair, so I will not assign a letter grade to any paper until it appears in your assessment portfolio. I also believe that withholding grades frustrates and confuses students, so I will use the following designations developed by Edwina L. Helton and Jeff Sommers to indicate my perception of the draft’s status:

"An E means that your draft seems to be an early one—one that could benefit from some rethinking and reseeing. The draft may not fully explore the ideas it has introduced or may lack a clear focus on its subject or a clear sense of purpose. Perhaps it could benefit from a stronger sense of organization.

"An M means that your draft appears to be in the middle stages of the writing process. This draft has some solid and interesting ideas, but it could benefit form some revision and editing in order to prepare it for presentation. Usually, these drafts have established a clearly focused subject and have begun to explore the subject in ways that suggest a strong sense of purpose. Sometimes, middle drafts need further fleshing out of ideas or sharpening of the structure through which those ideas are presented.

"An L means that your draft is close to being a 'portfolio draft'—a draft that is ready to be presented in your portfolio. These drafts usually have a clearly focused discussion with sufficient substance to achieve their purpose. The writing itself may not yet be as clear and effective as it might be. This draft probably needs some polishing and editing." (158)

Operative Letter Grade Translation

1. exceptional, extraordinary, superior
2. very strong, above average, noteworthy
3. adequate, competent, standard
4. passing but substandard, below average, marginally competent
5. failing

Updated: 02.03.13