Distinguished - Comprehensively outlines a plan for explaining the principles of and barriers to interpersonal communication. The significance of each principle is exceptionally well-developed. Barriers are listed and ways to overcome the barriers are thoroughly explained.

Proficient - Outlines a plan for explaining the principles of and barriers to interpersonal communication. The significance of each principle is well-developed. Barriers are listed and ways to overcome the barriers are explained. Minor details are missing.

Basic - Partially outlines a plan for explaining the principles of and barriers to interpersonal communication. The significance of each principle is somewhat developed. Barriers are listed and ways to overcome the barriers are minimally explained. Relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Attempts to outline a plan for explaining the principles of and barriers to interpersonal communication; however, does not address the significance of each principle and explain ways to overcome the listed barriers. Significant details are missing.

Non-Performance - The outline of a plan explaining the principles of and barriers to effective interpersonal communication is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Defines all key terms, and comprehensively outlines a plan for analyzing the role of communication in developing and maintaining one’s self-concept, self-image, and self-esteem, including the relationship between psychology and communication as well as its importance.

Proficient - Defines most key terms, and outlines a plan for analyzing the role of communication in developing and maintaining one’s self-concept, self-image, and self-esteem, including the relationship between psychology and communication as well as its importance. Minor details are missing. 

Basic - Defines some key terms, and partially outlines a plan for analyzing the role of communication in developing and maintaining one’s self-concept, self-image, and self-esteem, including the relationship between psychology and communication as well as its importance. Relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Attempts to define all key terms and outline a plan for analyzing the role of communication in developing and maintaining one’s self-concept, self-image, and self-esteem, including the relationship between psychology and communication as well as its importance; however, significant details are missing.

Non-Performance - The outline of a plan for analyzing the role of communication in developing and maintaining one’s self-concept, self-image, and self-esteem, including the relationship between psychology and communication as well as its importance is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Comprehensively outlines a plan for analyzing the impact of gender and culture on interpersonal communication, including the relationship between gender, culture, and communication and why acknowledging these elements is central to becoming an effective communicator. 

Proficient - Outlines a plan for analyzing the impact of gender and culture on interpersonal communication, including the relationship between gender, culture, and communication and why acknowledging these elements is central to becoming an effective communicator. Minor details are missing.

Basic - Partially outlines a plan for analyzing the impact of gender and culture on interpersonal communication, including the relationship between gender, culture, and communication and why acknowledging these elements is central to becoming an effective communicator. Relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Attempts to outlines a plan for analyzing the impact of gender and culture on interpersonal communication; however, does not include the relationship between gender, culture, and communication and why acknowledging these elements is central to becoming an effective communicator, and significant details are missing. 

Non-Performance - The outline of a plan for analyzing the impact of gender and culture on interpersonal communication, including the relationship between gender, culture, and communication and why acknowledging these elements is central to becoming an effective communicator is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - The paper is written in outline form with all headings listing each learning objective. Each section has a topic sentence, supporting evidence, explanation of evidence, and rationale of why the content matters.

Proficient - The paper is written in outline form with most headings listing each learning objective. Each section has a topic sentence, supporting evidence, explanation of evidence, and rationale about why the content matters. Minor details are missing.

Basic - The paper is written in outline form with some headings listing some learning objectives. Each section may not include the topic sentence, supporting evidence, explanation of evidence, and/or rationale about why the content matters. Relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - The paper is not entirely written in outline form and is missing headings listing each learning objective. Each section does not include the topic sentence, supporting evidence, explanation of the evidence, and rationale about why the content matters. Significant details are missing.

Non-Performance - The paper is not written in outline form. The topic sentence, supporting evidence, explanations of evidence, and rationale of why the content matters are nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - The paper is logically organized with a well-written introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion.

Proficient - The paper is logically organized with an introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion. One of these requires improvement.

Basic - The paper is organized with an introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion. The introduction, thesis statement, and/or conclusion require improvement.

Below Expectations - The paper is loosely organized with an introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion. The introduction, thesis statement, and/or conclusion require much improvement.

Non-Performance - The introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Displays meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains no errors and is very easy to understand.

Proficient - Displays comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains only a few minor errors and is mostly easy to understand.

Basic - Displays basic comprehension of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains a few errors which may slightly distract the reader.

Below Expectations - Fails to display basic comprehension of syntax or mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains major errors which distract the reader.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Accurately uses APA formatting consistently throughout the paper, title page, and reference page.

Proficient - Exhibits APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout contains a few minor errors. 

Basic - Exhibits limited knowledge of APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout does not meet all APA requirements. 

Below Expectations - Fails to exhibit basic knowledge of APA formatting. There are frequent errors, making the layout difficult to distinguish as APA.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Uses more than the required number of scholarly sources, providing compelling evidence to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.

Proficient - Uses the required number of scholarly sources to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.

Basic - Uses less than the required number of sources to support ideas. Some sources may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are used within the body of the assignment. Citations may not be formatted correctly.

Below Expectations - Uses an inadequate number of sources that provide little or no support for ideas. Sources used may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are not used within the body of the assignment. Citations are not formatted correctly.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.