Criteria+for+final+paper

=Criteria for final paper=

In grading your final papers, I will look at the following kinds of criteria.


 * 1) Effective analysis, discussion, and/or argumentation; in-depth discussion with good, persuasive evidence or support for claims or arguments that you develop. Effective, informative, intellectually satisfying, and persuasive contents; in-depth, well-developed discussion of your ideas.
 * 2) Improvement and better development in your paper between the essay 3 version and the final version (e.g., if the final looks just like the third essay with little or no improvement, that would hurt the final essay grade).
 * 3) Clear structure - specific intro, thesis, topic sentences, development of ideas, transitional expressions, and conclusion / summary. Appropriate paragraph style, transitions, etc.
 * 4) Appropriate uses of sources in your discussion and development of ideas, analysis, or argumentation; at least several scholarly / academic sources should be used.
 * 5) Sources are properly cited in the body of the paper, and a final references or works cited section. All references cited in the body should be in the references / works cited section, and no sources should be listed in the final references / works cited section that are not cited and used in the body of the essay; also, use of proper citation style - proper APA, MLA, or whichever system you use in your field.
 * 6) Dealing well with potential counter-arguments (potential objections to your views), if applicable, for your topic.
 * 7) Proper format: title page (no headings except the title page; see the example under the Handouts page on the Wiki); proper line spacing (1.5-2X spacing), margins (2-2.5 cm), page numbers on each page (except the title page).
 * 8) Papers should be proofread and revised carefully to eliminate any significant problems in word choice, clarity, flow, wordiness, overly informal or colloquial style, and grammar.
 * 9) Appropriate academic writing style, tone and wording.
 * 10) Appropriate length. I won't necessarily insist on the 2500 word limit if papers in your courses are shorter than usual. But they should be long enough to sufficiently develop your ideas.

Your papers can be emailed to me by midnight on the evening of 16 December; or you can drop them off at my office (though I will be away on 16 Dec. for a conference).