Distinguished - Clearly describes the emergence of New Media in the political spectrum.  Key elements of the issue are exceptionally summarized, including details regarding how it has increased political communication.

Proficient - Describes the emergence of New Media and sufficiently summarizes the key elements. Some details regarding how it has increased political communication are included.

Basic - Describes the emergence of New Media but more details are needed to summarize the key elements. Minimal details regarding how it has increased political communication are included.

Below Expectations - Generally describes the emergence of New Media, but may not summarize the key elements or discuss how it has increased political communication.

Non-Performance - The description of the emergence of New Media is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Thoroughly analyzes the main strengths and weaknesses of New Media growth in candidate communication with the electorate.  Multiple issues are addressed and analyzed through clear support and examples.

Proficient - Analyzes several of the main strengths and weaknesses of New Media growth in candidate communication with the electorate. However, more  examples of strengths and weaknesses are needed.

Basic - Briefly analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of New Media growth in candidate communication with the electorate, but the examples of the strengths and weaknesses are unclear. 

Below Expectations - Attempts to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of New Media growth in candidate communication with the electorate; however, the analysis provides little independent thought. References to specific examples of strengths and weaknesses are either vague or missing.

Non-Performance - The analysis of the main strengths and weaknesses of New Media growth in candidate communication with the electorate is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Extensively evaluates the effect of New Media on political communication.  The evaluation of the effects is clearly supported by both quantitative and qualitative sources.

Proficient - Evaluates the effect of New Media on political communication.  The evaluation of the effects is supported by both quantitative and qualitative sources, but minor details are missing.

Basic - Provides a discussion of the effect of New Media on political communication, but does not evaluate the issue effectively.  Only quantitative or qualitative sources are utilized, not both.

Below Expectations - Briefly discusses the effect of New Media on political communication, but the discussion provides little independent thought. Evaluation utilizing quantitative and qualitative resources is weak or missing.

Non-Performance - The effect of New Media on political communication is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Uses appropriate, pertinent, and persuasive content to discover and develop sophisticated ideas within the context of the discipline, shaping the work as a whole.

Proficient - Uses appropriate and pertinent content to discover ideas within the context of the discipline, shaping the work as a whole.

Basic - Uses appropriate and pertinent content, but does not apply it toward discovering or developing ideas. Overall, content assists in shaping the written work.

Below Expectations - Uses content, though it may be unrelated or inappropriate to the topic. Content does not contribute toward the development of the written work, and may distract the reader from its purpose.

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 - 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 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.