Grades

15% of your semester grade will come from this project. This is the breakdown of the grade, and what you need to know to get full points.

UPDATE 11/3/2014
Plagiarism penalties
If you plagiarize part of your first draft, there is no penalty.

If you plagiarize in your second draft, one point will be subtracted from your total grade.

If you plagiarize in your final draft, you will receive a 0 for your final draft.

5 points maximum for research
You will demonstrate your research through "Research" blog posts with the label "research".

5 points

The student shows creativity and perseverance in her research. The research was clearly a process of exploration and reveals a pattern of thought, inquiry and revelation.

4 points

The research displays a clear, reasoned evolution from beginning to end. The student is committed to finding useful sources.

3 points

The research is adequate for completing the persuasive essay.

2 points

The research is inadequate.

0 points

There is no meaningful research.

5 points maximum for drafting
Over the course of the semester you will create two drafts for your persuasive essay with the label "draft".

If either draft is late, one point will be subtracted. 
First Draft - October 26 Monday October 27
Second Draft - November 16

First draft

2 points - The first draft is thoughtful and a good start to an effective persuasive essay. It demonstrates an understanding of the classical argument.

1 point - The student completes a first draft that demonstrates an understanding of the classical argument

0 points - The first draft is inadequate

Second draft

3 points - The second draft builds on the ideas of the first draft in a meaningful and thoughtful way. A reasonable evolution of ideas is visible. 

2 points - The second draft is a reasonable development of the 1st draft. There is meaningful improvement in the essay.

1 point - The second draft is only improved technically. 

0 points - The second draft is not an improvement on the first draft. 

5 points maximum for final draft
By the end of the semester you will complete a final draft that is the product of all your drafting and research.

If the final draft is late, one point will be subtracted. 
Final Draft - December 14

5 points

• Technically perfect Technically almost perfect
• Follows the classical argument
• Displays an interesting and unique perspective on a highly specialized topic
• Thought provoking and captivating
• Clearly the product of extensive drafting and research

4 points

• Technically perfect Technically excellent
• Follows the classical argument
• Displays a unique perspective on a highly specialized topic
• Clearly the product of thorough drafting and research

3 points

• Follows the classical argument
• Displays a unique perspective on a highly specialized topic
• Some evidence of drafting and research

2 points

• Displays a unique perspective on a highly specialized topic

0 points

• Incomplete or inadequate