Grade

Skill

Knowledge

Engagement

A  Exemplary

Demonstrates outstanding skill in research, reading, and writing. Creatively synthesizes ideas, marshals convincing evidence, and engages the ideas of others. Writes with clarity, insight, and force.

Masters both the theoretical and empirical aspects of the field, including historiography, theory, historical methods, and chronological evidence.

Engages actively in the intellectual discourse of the classroom.  Consistently advances discussions. Provides leadership and models discipline.

B    Accomplished

Demonstrates moderate skill in researching, reading, and writing. Provides reasonable arguments, marshals some evidence, considers ideas of others. Writes effectively.

Has substantial grasp of key events.  Shows a rounded understanding of historiographical debates and underlying theories.

Engages regularly in the intellectual discourse of the classroom.  Provides intermittent leadership.

C     Adequate

Demonstrates limited skills in researching, reading, and writing. Inconsistently offers arguments and evidence.

Has limited grasp of key events.  Shows a spotty understanding of the field. 

Intermittently contributes to intellectual life of the course. 

D    Deficient

Rarely demonstrates skills in research, reading, or writing. Unable to offer evidence or clear arguments. 

Has little grasp of key events.  Shows little understanding of the contours of the field.

Rarely participates or engages in the intellectual life of the course.

F    Unacceptable

Does not demonstrate skills in research, reading, or writing.

Demonstrates very little grasp of key events.  Shows very little understanding of the contours of the field. 

Fails to participate or engage in the intellectual life of the course.