Grading
© Copyright 1999, Charles King |
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Point grading |
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Point
grading
I
take the official Georgetown University grade-point scale and grade
definitions seriously. The grade-points and descriptors are:
This scale means that A grades are only awarded for truly outstanding performance. Such a grade is the highest possible indication of a student’s excellence in scholarship and writing. In other words, A grades are rare. When they are given, they mean that the student has reached a genuinely superior level of understanding of the subject and has demonstrated that superior knowledge and insight on examinations and other assignments. Percentage
grading
My
courses and assignments (such as examinations) are sometimes graded on a
point scale (usually X points out of 100). The following scale is used to
relate percentage or point scores to letter grades:
Undergraduate
paper grades
For
research papers, essays, and other written assignments, letter grades (rather
than points) are normally used. Following are the meanings of the available
letter grades for undergraduates: A
A
superior paper. Well-written with an interesting and insightful argument and
a clear central thesis. A serious attempt to use reliable evidence. Use of
primary sources to buttress the argument (if the paper is primarily
empirical) or thorough consideration of major theoretical approaches (if the
paper is more conceptual). A-
An
excellent paper written in a clear style. The argument is interesting and
generally sound, but less insightful than an A paper. Some use of appropriate
primary evidence or of conceptual tools of analysis. B+
A
very good paper with a reasonably clear argument. The ideas are not as
original or clearly expressed as in A and A- papers,
but there are some interesting points. More actual research and thinking
would have been desirable. B
A
good paper, but with an argument that is not as well-structured as it should
be. A few interesting ideas, but the paper could have been improved with more
thought, organization, and imagination. Little actual research. Reliance more
on secondary sources than on appropriate primary sources. Minor problems of
structure and organization. B-
An
above-average paper. Based mainly on secondary sources, but with generally
clear writing. Some problems of structure and organization. C+
A
marginally above-average paper. Based almost entirely on secondary sources.
Writing often unclear. Some problems of structure and organization. Central
thesis either absent or unclear. C
An
average paper. Based entirely on secondary sources, with sometimes unclear
and uninspired writing. No real central thesis. A few major problems of
structure and organization. C-
A
below-average paper. Based on inadequate reading of secondary sources.
Writing style is unclear, with errors of grammar and syntax. No discernible
argument. D+
A
poor paper. Based on reading of only a few secondary sources. Serious
problems of grammar and expression. No attempt at arguing a central point.
Structure is random. D
A
very poor paper. Based on only a few secondary sources, perhaps taken only
from the required readings for the course. Serious problems of expression,
with numerous passages that are simply not understandable. No central
argument. F
An
unacceptable paper. Based on few or no secondary sources, or parroting of one
or more secondary sources bordering on plagiarism. Graduate
student paper grades
For
research papers, seminar papers, and other major written assignments for
graduate students (MA and PhD), the following grade definitions apply: A
An
outstanding paper. Well-written with a truly insightful and original
argument. Ample evidence of serious thought and analysis, as well as thorough
coverage of the literature. A-
A
very good paper written in a clear style. The argument is interesting and
generally sound, but not as original or insightful as an A paper. Evidence of
a very good knowledge of the literature. B+
A
good paper with a reasonably clear argument. The ideas are not particularly
original, but there are some interesting points. Coverage of the literature
is fair, but more research would have been desirable. B
A
competent paper, but with an argument that is not as well-structured as it
should be. A few interesting ideas, but the paper could have been improved
with more thought, organization, and imagination. Coverage of the literature
and analysis of the major ideas are acceptable, but serious improvement on
both fronts is needed. B- to F
Papers
of poor to wholly unacceptable quality, with problems of both structure and
content ranging from serious to catastrophic. © Copyright 1996, Georgetown University |