Distinguished - Comprehensively analyzes the key issues with the use of exhibits and an appendix.

Proficient - Analyzes the key issues with the use of exhibits and an appendix, but minor details are missing.

Basic - Vaguely analyzes the key issues with the use of exhibits and an appendix, and relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Attempts to analyze the key issues with the use of exhibits and an appendix; however, significant details are missing.

Non-Performance - The analysis of the key issues with the use of exhibits and an appendix is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Thoroughly discusses the historical background and contemporary issues related to the selected topic.

Proficient - Discusses the historical background and contemporary issues related to the selected topic, but minor details are missing.

Basic - Partially discusses the historical background and contemporary issues related to the selected topic, and relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Attempts to discuss the historical background and contemporary issues related to the selected topic; however, significant details are missing.

Non-Performance - The discussion of the historical background and contemporary issues related to the selected topic is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Comprehensively evaluates the plausible political issues and the potential consequences encountered by urban planners that result from decision making. Expertly applies strong, relevant examples to support the evaluation.

Proficient - Evaluates the plausible political issues and the potential consequences encountered by urban planners that result from decision making. Applies relevant examples to support the evaluation, but the evaluation is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Vaguely evaluates the plausible political issues and the potential consequences encountered by urban planners that result from decision making. Applies limited examples to support the evaluation, and the evaluation is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Attempts to evaluate the plausible political issues and the potential consequences encountered by urban planners that result from decision making; however, may not apply examples to support the evaluation or the issues and potential consequences are not likely to be encountered by urban planners. The evaluation is significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The evaluation of the plausible political issues and the potential consequences encountered by urban planners that result from decision making is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Thoroughly and accurately applies key concepts from the course into the Research Paper.

Proficient - Applies key concepts from the course into the Research Paper, but a few inaccuracies are present.

Basic - Partially applies key concepts from the course into the Research Paper, and some inaccuracies are present.

Below Expectations - Attempts to apply key concepts from the course into the Research Paper; however, many inaccuracies are present.

Non-Performance - The key concepts from the course are either 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. One or more of 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 - Employs persuasive information from credible sources to develop an ample analysis or synthesis of the topic. Viewpoints of experts are scrutinized thoroughly.

Proficient - Employs applicable information from credible sources to develop an analysis of the topic.

Basic - Identifies applicable information from credible sources, but may neglect the application of such information toward the analysis of the topic.

Below Expectations - Displays information from external sources, but such information may lack credibility and/or relevance. Neglects the application of such information toward the analysis of the topic.

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

Distinguished - Demonstrates methodical application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is evident and easy to understand. Summaries, quotes, and/or paraphrases fit naturally into the sentences and paragraphs. Paper flows smoothly.

Proficient - Demonstrates sufficient application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is, for the most part, clear and easy to understand. There are some problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper flows somewhat smoothly.

Basic - Demonstrates a limited understanding of organization and presentation of content in written work. The purpose of the writing is somewhat evident, but may not be integrated throughout the assignment. There are many problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly in all sections.

Below Expectations - Organization and presentation of content is extremely limited. The purpose of the writing is unclear. There is little or no blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly when read.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the 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 length of the paper is equivalent to the required number of correctly formatted pages.

Proficient - The length of the paper is nearly equivalent to the required number of correctly formatted pages.

Basic - The length of the paper is equivalent to at least three quarters of the required number of correctly formatted pages.

Below Expectations - The length of the paper is equivalent to at least one half of the required number of correctly formatted pages. 

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.