Distinguished - Selects a topic area from the list provided, and writes a well-developed research question for the proposed Final Project. The question is open-ended and clearly invites consideration of broader historical issues.

Proficient - Selects a topic area from the list provided, and writes a research question for the proposed Final Project. The question is open-ended and considers broader historical issues. The question is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Selects a topic area from the list provided, and writes a vague research question for the proposed Final Project. The question is somewhat open-ended and minimally considers broader historical issues. The question is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Selects a topic area, and attempts to write a research question for the proposed Final Project; however, the topic area may not be from the list provided and/or the question is not open-ended, does not consider broader historical issues, and is significantly underdeveloped.

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

Distinguished - Thoroughly explains the specific historical context and/or historiography relevant to the research question.

Proficient - Explains the specific historical context and/or historiography relevant to the research question. Minor details are missing.

Basic - Minimally explains the historical context and/or historiography relevant to the research question. Relevant details are missing. 

Below Expectations - Attempts to explain the historical context and/or historiography relevant to the research question; however, significant details are missing.

Non-Performance - The explanation of historical context and or historiography relevant to the research question is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Provides comprehensive annotations of at least three to five sentences for the required number of sources, summarizing each source’s contents and its relevance to the topic.

Proficient - Provides annotations of at least three to five sentences for the required number of sources, summarizing each source’s contents and its relevance to the topic. The annotations are slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Provides limited annotations for fewer than the required number of sources, partially summarizing each source’s contents and its relevance to the topic. The annotations are underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Attempts to provide annotations for an inadequate number of sources, and/or does not sufficiently summarize each source’s contents or its relevance to the topic. The annotations are significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The annotated bibliography and source annotations are either non-existent or lack the components described in the assignment 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.

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.