How I grade Papers

From Silvers

grades are based on the following criteria

1. Definition of terms and concepts: You must use and define technical terms in the course of your paper. This grade will be based on how well you understand these terms and are able to explain them clearly them in context.

2. Execution: This grade will be based on how well you argue your thesis, how well the paper is structured, how well you use the English language, and how well you use the proper forms of style in writing academic papers. Please see Skidmore guidelines <website> or The Chicago Manual of Style for examples. I am glad to answer questions on any issues of form. I also encourage you to take your papers to the Writing Center.

3. Insight: This grade will be based on how well you move beyond the basic concepts introduced in class and discover and express your own ideas and observations in your work. If the paper is a restatement of what we have discussed in class (i.e., a prose version of your class notes, no matter how well done) you cannot receive higher than a “C” in this section. A “C” in this section means that even if you get an “A” for sections one and two, you cannot receive higher than a “B+” for your final grade on the paper.

• Note: I am glad to discuss possible paper topics and outlines with students, please come and see me. I will look at drafts ONLY if students bring an outline of their paper to discuss with me before writing the first draft.