Distinguished - Thoroughly describes a major theme of the selected film, supporting the description with several relevant examples from the film. The examples accurately represent the described theme.

Proficient - Describes a major theme of the selected film, supporting the description with some relevant examples from the film. Minor details are missing or inaccurate.

Basic - Describes a major theme of the selected film, supporting the description with few examples from the film. Details are missing or inaccurate.

Below Expectations - Describes a major theme of the selected film, but may not support the description with examples from the film. Significant details are missing or inaccurate.

Non-Performance - The description of the selected film’s theme is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Accurately identifies at least three techniques and/or design elements used in the film. Clearly and comprehensively explains how each of the identified techniques and/or design elements contributes to the establishment of the major theme.

Proficient - Accurately identifies at least three techniques and/or design elements used in the film and adequately explains how each contributes to the establishment of the major theme.

Basic - Accurately identifies at least two techniques and/or design elements used in the film and partially explains how they contribute to the establishment of the major theme. The explanation is underdeveloped and may not incorporate both film analysis concepts and examples from the film.

Below Expectations - Identifies at least one technique or design element used in the film and attempts to explain how it contributes to the establishment of the major theme.

Non-Performance - The identification of techniques and/or design elements used in the film is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - States a clear position on the use of mise en scène and comprehensively defends this opinion with reference to the major theme and other required elements.

Proficient - States a position on the use of mise en scène and adequately defends this opinion with reference to the major theme and other required elements.

Basic - States a position on the use of mise en scène and partially defends this opinion with reference to the major theme and other required elements.

Below Expectations - The stated position on the use of mise en scène is unclear or confusing. Minimally defends this opinion with reference to the major theme and other required elements.

Non-Performance - The opinion regarding the use of mise en scène 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.