Distinguished - Thoroughly explains genre theory and presents a comprehensive description of the key elements of the chosen genre.

Proficient - Explains genre theory and presents a mostly complete description of the key elements of the chosen genre.

Basic - Somewhat explains genre theory and offers some points toward a description of the key elements of the chosen genre.

Below Expectations - Minimally explains genre theory and offers a partial description of the key elements of the chosen genre.

Non-Performance - The explanation of genre theory/the selected genre is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Identifies and thoroughly summarizes a selected film and places it within a genre, supporting this with several relevant points. These points accurately place the film in the chosen genre.

Proficient - Identifies and offers a summary for the selected film and places it within a genre, supporting this with some relevant points. Minor details are discordant or inaccurate.

Basic - Somewhat identifies and offers a summary for the selected film and places it within a genre, supporting this with few points from the film. Details are discordant or inaccurate.

Below Expectations - Attempts to identify and summarize the selected film; however, the summary may be unclear or incomplete.  Places the selected film within a genre but may not support this with points from the film.

Non-Performance - The identification and summarization of the selected genre film is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Provides a clear and comprehensive account of at least two specific genre elements from the chosen film. Includes a third element which can be seen to expand upon traditional genre tropes.

Proficient - Provides an account of at least two specific genre elements from the chosen film. Includes a third element which can be seen to expand upon traditional genre tropes.

Basic - Provides an account of at least two specific genre elements from the chosen film. Includes a third element which can be seen to expand upon traditional genre tropes, though the overall treatment may be vague or lacking in specifics.

Below Expectations - Attempts to provide an account of at least two specific genre elements from the chosen film and include a third element which can be seen to expand upon traditional genre tropes; however, one element may be unclear, lacking in specifics, or missing entirely.

Non-Performance - The required account of two genre elements and one non-traditional element is either nonexistent or lacks 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 - 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 words.

Proficient - The length of the paper is nearly equivalent to the required number of words.

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

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

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.