PSCI 600
PSCI 600 POLITICAL ECONOMY RESEARCH PAPER GRADING RUBRIC
Criteria
Content 105 Advanced
Analyzes the 31 to 35 points
material All elements of the assigned
topic are clearly and
completely addressed in light
of applicable page limits (5–7
pages). Analyses flow in a
logical and effective manner,
address all elements of the
assignment thoroughly and
reach the nuances of the
issues raised. Complex issues
are navigated with precision,
clarity and detail.
Organization 31 to 35 points
The paper is focused and well
organized. The paper has a
clear thesis, and a clear and
substantive introduction and
conclusion. The paper
effectively uses headings and
subheadings as appropriate to
focus and deepen analyses.
Evaluation, 31 to 35 points
Synthesis and Sources, concepts and ideas
Adequate use are evaluated critically and
of Sources synthesized in a manner that
moves beyond restatement
and makes a valuable
contribution to the assigned
topic.
Levels of Achievement
Proficient Developing Not present
21 to 30 points 1 to 20 points 0 points
Major elements of the assigned topic Some elements of the assigned topic Assigned elements
are discussed in a meaningful way but are mentioned but the discussion is are not discussed.
the paper would benefit from additional incomplete, unclear, superficial, too
clarity, depth, or detail. Analyses are general or otherwise does not meet
generally well constructed. Complex expectations. Analyses are general
issues are recognized. and lacking in depth. Complex issues
and nuances are overlooked.
21 to 30 points 1 to 20 points 0 points
The paper is reasonably well organized The paper is in need of additional The paper lacks
and follows a logical path from idea to organization and clarity. Ideas and/or meaningful
idea and section to section. The paper sections of the paper either do not organization and the
includes an adequate introduction and flow logically or are in need of paper lacks and
conclusion. fundamental improvement. The paper introduction and
is lacking an adequate introduction conclusion.
and/or conclusion.
21 to 30 points 1 to 20 points 0 points
Sources are used correctly and support Some sources are used but not Sources are not used;
the paper’s analyses and conclusions. critically evaluated and/or not used in Ideas and concepts
Concepts and ideas are understood and an effective manner. Paper would from sources are not
linked in a reasonable way that supports benefit from more substantive use of evaluated or
the paper’s conclusions. Paper reflects a sources, more appropriate reliance on synthesized.
good familiarity with the major ideas sources, and/or better skill in
but would benefit from greater critical evaluating, synthesizing or applying
evaluation and syntheses. ideas, concepts, or sources.
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Structure 45 Advanced
Mechanics 14 to 15 points
No grammar, spelling, or
punctuation errors are
present. Voice and person are
used correctly and
consistently. Writing is
precise. Word choice is
appropriate.
Turabian 14 to 15 points
Format Citations and format are in
Elements current Turabian style. Title
page, reference page, etc. are
correctly formatted. Paper is
double-spaced with 1-inch
margins and written in 12
point Times New Roman
font.
Research 14 to 15 points
Elements High-quality primary and
secondary sources are utilized
in a mature and effective
manner. Research effectively
incorporates multiple
nuanced viewpoints of
complex issues. Adequate
number of sources (at least 3)
are used. Complete and
accurate bibliography is
provided. Arguments are
correctly and effectively
supported with research.
Total Advanced 135-150
Professor
Comments
PSCI 600
Proficient Developing Not present
9 to 13 points 1 to 8 points 0 points
Few grammar, spelling, or punctuation Several grammar, spelling, or Numerous spelling,
errors are present. Voice and person are punctuation errors are present. Voice grammar, or
used correctly. Writing style is and person are used inconsistently. punctuation errors are
sufficient. Word choice is adequate. Writing style is understandable but present. Voice and
could be improved. Word choice is person are misused.
generally good. Writing style is
difficult to
understand. Word
choice is poor.
9 to 13 points 1 to 8 points 0 points
Citations and format are in current Citations and format are in current Citations are not
Turabian style with few errors. Title Turabian style though several errors formatted correctly.
page, reference page, etc. are present are present. Title page, reference Title page, reference
with few errors. Paper is double-spaced page, etc. are included though several page, etc. are not
with 1-inch margins and written in 12 errors are present. Paper is double- included or not
point Times New Roman font. spaced, but margins or fonts are formatted correctly.
incorrect. Paper is not double-
spaced, margins are
incorrect, or font is
incorrect.
9 to 13 points 1 to 8 points 0 points
Primary and secondary sources of Fewer than the requisite number of Appropriate sources
acceptable and appropriate nature and required primary and secondary are not used or
quality are utilized. Research reflects sources of acceptable and appropriate sources are lacking
multiple viewpoints of complex issues. nature and quality are utilized. entirely. Arguments
Adequate number of sources (at least 3) Research does not reflect multiple are not supported
are used. A complete and accurate viewpoints of complex issues. An with research.
bibliography is provided. Arguments incomplete or inaccurate bibliography Opposing viewpoints
are acceptably supported with research. is provided. Arguments are are dismissed or
tangentially supported with research. ignored. Bibliography
Arguments incorporate research but is incomplete or
often include or rely upon personal missing.
opinion without appropriate support.
Sources are, at times, not used
appropriately.
Proficient 90-129 Developing 1-84 Not present
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