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

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

Basic - Paper is organized with an introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion. One or more of the introduction, thesis statement, and/or conclusion require improvement.

Below Expectations - 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 - Clearly identifies the issue that guides the paper and succinctly defines the specific problem that will be the focus of the paper.

Proficient - Identifies the issue that guides the paper and defines the specific problem that will be the focus of the paper. The identification is somewhat unclear or the definition is not entirely succinct.

Basic - Identifies the issue that guides the paper and defines the general problem that will be the focus of the paper. The identification is unclear or the definition is not sufficiently succinct.

Below Expectations - Attempts to identify the issue that will guide the paper and define the problem that will be the focus of the paper; however, the identification is unclear and/or the definition is ambiguous.

Non-Performance - The identification of the issue and definition of the problem are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Effectively presents multiple sides of the problem and clearly states the position that will be argued in the paper, appropriately utilizing philosophical theories and ideas from the course.

Proficient - Presents multiple sides of the problem and clearly states the position that will be argued in the paper. The presentation utilizes philosophical theories and ideas from the course, but does not completely represent the perspectives on this issue.

Basic - Presents multiple sides of the problem and states the position that will be argued in the paper, but may only minimally utilize theories or ideas from the course. The presentation or position is ambiguous.

Below Expectations - Ambiguously presents multiple sides of the problem or presents only one side of the problem. The position that will be argued in the paper may be absent or unclear. Philosophical theories and ideas from the course are missing or inappropriately utilized.

Non-Performance - The presentation of multiple sides of the problem and statement of the position on the issue are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Creates a strong argument that supports the position taken in the paper and critiques opposing positions in an incisive and direct manner. The argument and critique are supported with appropriate philosophical theories and factual evidence.

Proficient - Creates an adequate argument that supports the position taken in the paper and critiques opposing positions in a reasonably direct manner. The argument and critique are somewhat supported with appropriate philosophical theories and factual evidence.

Basic - Creates an argument that supports the position taken in the paper but critiques opposing positions in an indirect manner. The argument and critique may not be sufficiently supported with appropriate philosophical theories and factual evidence.

Below Expectations - Creates an inadequate, unsupported, and/or illogical argument that fails to support the position taken in the paper and may not include a critique of opposing positions.

Non-Performance - The argument that supports the position and critique of opposing positions 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 basic 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 - The paper meets the specific page requirement stipulated in the assignment description.

Proficient - The paper closely meets the page requirement stipulated in the assignment description.

Basic - The paper meets over half of the page requirement stipulated in the assignment description.

Below Expectations - A fraction of the page requirement is completed.

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 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 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.