Distinguished - The introduction and thesis statement are skillfully developed and thoroughly prepare the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the paper/presentation.

Proficient - The introduction and thesis statement are mostly developed, and adequately prepare the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the paper/presentation.

Basic - The introduction and thesis statement are present, and loosely prepare the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the paper/presentation.

Below Expectations - The introduction and thesis statement are present, though incomplete. Neither adequately prepares the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the paper/presentation.

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

Distinguished - Comprehensively critiques the selected topic. Explanation provides detailed and relevant information based on credible research and scholarly sources.

Proficient - Sufficiently critiques the selected topic. Explanation provides details and information that is primarily based on credible research and scholarly sources.

Basic - Briefly critiques the selected topic. Explanation provides some detail based on credible research and scholarly sources; however, information may lack relevance to the selected topic.

Below Expectations - Critique of the selected topic lacks clarity and depth. Explanation lacks sufficient detail and relevance.

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

Distinguished - Clearly and concisely summarizes the main points of the research paper/presentation. The thesis statement is restated, and supporting details are accurate and relevant to the purpose of the final project.

Proficient - Adequately summarizes the main points of the research paper/presentation. The thesis statement is restated, and supporting details are accurate and relevant to the content and purpose of the final project.

Basic - Briefly summarizes the main points of the research paper/presentation. The thesis statement may be absent, and supporting details may lack relevance or accuracy.

Below Expectations - Attempts to summarize the main points of the research paper/presentation; however, the thesis statement is not restated and supporting details lack accuracy and relevance.

Non-Performance - The conclusion 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 - Clearly evaluates own and others' assumptions and carefully determines the relevance of contexts when presenting a position.

Proficient - Determines own and others' assumptions and clearly identifies the relevance of contexts when presenting a position.

Basic - Determines some assumptions and identifies on a basic level the importance of contexts when presenting a position.

Below Expectations - Recognizes some assumptions, although such recognition may be incomplete. May inadequately identify the importance of contexts when presenting a position.

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

Distinguished - Utilizes a format, language, or graph (or other visual representation) in ways that enhance comprehension, while making clear the interdependence of language and meaning, thought, and expression.

Proficient - Utilizes a format, language, or graph (or other visual representation) to correlate content and form, demonstrating awareness of purpose and audience.

Basic - Utilizing a format, language, or graph (or other visual representation) that correlates in a basic way what is being communicated.

Below Expectations - Utilizes a format, language, or graph (or other visual representation) in appropriate forms, although attempts may be incomplete.

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

Distinguished - Analyzes texts for scholarly significance and pertinence within and across the various disciplines, assessing them according to their contributions and consequences.

Proficient - Utilizes texts in the context of scholarship to expand a foundation of disciplinary knowledge and to raise and discover significant inquiries.

Basic - Employs texts with the intent and expectation of increasing knowledge.

Below Expectations - Approaches texts only within the context of assignment.

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 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.