Grading

Grades throughout the semester are based on the following formula:

  • A = 3.50-4.00   Work far exceeds average requirements for the assignment. Assignment written in clear, interesting, grammatically correct prose, showing individuality and highly developed thinking and writing skills. An 'A' paper is written at a level of sophistication far beyond the level of most Freshman writers.
  • B = 2.50-3.49   Work exceeds average requirements for the assignment. Assignment written in clear, grammatically correct prose, showing well developed thinking and writing skills. A 'B' paper is written at a level that stands above the average of most Freshman writers.
  • C = 1.50-2.49   Work meets requirements of the assignments. Assignment written in understandable prose, with a minimum of grammatical errors, showing effort and progress in thinking and writing skills. A 'C' paper is one that is written at the level of most Freshman writers.
  • D = 0.50-1.49   Work does not meet minimum requirements for the assignments. Lack of clear focus, consistent problems with sentence structure and/or numerous grammar and mechanics problems interfere with readability.
  • E = 0.49 or below   Work is unacceptable. Failure to complete writing as assigned, level of effort and progress will not result in credit for the course.

Twenty-percent (20%) of your final grade derives from homework assignments, in-class writings, quizzes, e-mail reports, listserv responses, and full participation in class discussions. The four short essay assignments are worth an additional 20% of your grade, the two major unit essay assignments are worth 20% each, and the group web page is worth an additional 20%. I will drop the lowest of the four short essay grades.

To pass the course, you must complete all major unit essay assignments with a grade of 'C' or higher. Consideration will be given to significant changes in the quality of your work (i.e., improvement or decline) over the course of the semester. Please note, that even though the grade for the four short essay assignments is only 20% of the total, if you consistently fail to fulfill the assignments, you may fail the course.

Homework assignments, e-mail reports, and listserv responses with be scored on an A/C/F basis. You cannot submit these assignments late nor can they be made up if missed. You may submit daily homework assignments to me via e-mail. See section on e-mail submissions for proper format.

No +/- grades will be given for the final course grade.

Finally, do not discard any drafts, notes, papers, or research materials you produce during the semester, until you receive a final grade.

Grade Appeals

A request for re-evaluation of any major assignment must be made in writing within one week of the paper's return to you. In a letter or memorandum, your request must set forth specifically and in detail all points of disagreement with the evaluation. For this purpose, references to the course grading criteria as well as the assignment's specifications and expectations are essential. Within one week, I will respond to the request for re-evaluation in writing. My decision is final, assuming that the grade has been based solely upon a good-faith judgment of your work. Appeal of the course grade must be made in writing within two weeks of its receipt. Complaints or concerns we cannot resolve will be taken to the Writing Program Office.