Fails to follow directions

• Does not address the assignment (does not apply course concepts to the novel) - 0 points for the entire assignment
• Does not meet minimum word counts - Subtract one point for every 10 words short after applying the grading rubric (i.e., student earns 200 points using the rubric, but the analysis is 600 words short, so 600/10=60; 200-60=140; Student receives a total grade of 140)
• Paper is plagiarized (see rubric regarding plagiarism below) - 0 of 250 or Failure of course

Grading Rubric

Length: (30 points)

Introduction (blurb) : 250-400 words; Analysis: Minimum of 1250 words

• Unresponsive- Paper is significantly less than the required minimums and is primarily summary (0 pts)
• Flawed- Paper is primarily plot summary instead of analysis (5 pts)
• Minimal- Paper contains significant analysis but significantly less than required minimums (10 pts)
• Inadequate- Paper contains significant analysis but does not meet required minimums (15 pts)
• Appropriate- Paper is of an appropriate length and development following guidelines (30 pts)
• Verbose- Paper is of unnecessarily excessive length or unnecessarily complicated (20 pts)

Knowledge of Novel (40 points)

Demonstrates intimate knowledge of the novel

• Minimal- Student fails to demonstrate any or minimal familiarity with the novel (0 pts)
• Inadequate- Student's paper lacks detailed support from the novel (20 pts).
• Appropriate- Student demonstrates knowledge of the complete novel through appropriate use of details (40 pts)
.

Critical Approaches (20 points)

Minimum of three critical approaches from course

• Unresponsive -Student has failed to apply critical theories to the novel (0 pts for the entire assignment)
• Minimal- Student has applied theories from at least one category to the novel. (5 pts)
• Inadequate- Student has applied theories from at least two categories to the novel. (10 pts)
• Appropriate - Student has applied theories from at least three categories to the novel. (20 pts)

Application (130 points)

Demonstrates thoughtful application of critical theories to the novel

• Unresponsive- Student has failed to apply critical theories from the course (0 pts for the entire assignment)
• Flawed- Student has misapplied critical theories (50 pts)
• Unspecific- Student has applied critical theories from the course superficially or simplistically (60 pts)
• Minimal- Student has applied theories from at least one category with adequate details (70 pts)
• Inadequate- Student has applied theories from at least two categories with adequate details (80 pts)
• Marginal- Student has applied theories from at least three categories with adequate details (85 pts)
• Adequate- - Student has adequately applied theories from three categories with sufficient details for at least one category (90 pts)
• Acceptable- Student has adequately applied theories from three categories with sufficient details for at least two categories (95 pts)
• Appropriate- Student has applied theories from three categories, all with significant and appropriate details (105 pts)
• Excellent- Student has applied theories from three categories and multiple theories from at least one category, all with significant and appropriate details (120 pts)
• Significant- Student has applied theories from three categories and multiple theories from at least two categories, all with significant and appropriate details (125 pts)
• Impressive- Student has applied multiple theories from each of three categories with significant and appropriate details and shows significant insight into both the novel and myth theories (130 pts)
• Verbose- Student's myth is of unnecessarily excessive length (wordy) or unnecessarily complicated (100 pts)
• Confusing- The student's response is confusing and ineffective (-20 pts)

Grammar and Usage (30 pts)

• Incoherent - the writer's problems with basic sentence structure and word order create difficulties for the reader's understanding the writer's ideas (0 pts)
• Problematic - the writer's errors in grammar and usage are extensive and excessive (12 pts)
• Distracting - the writer's errors in grammar and usage do not interfere significantly with the reader's ability to understand the writer's ideas but still draw the reader's attention away from the subject of the essay (20 pts)
• Acceptable - the writer's errors in grammar and usage are few and easily ignorable (26 pts)
• Excellent - the writer has practically no errors in grammar or usage (30 pts)

Plagiarism (Warning: Plagiarized papers earn no points)

Inappropriate use of materials beyond the scope of the assignment (0 points for the entire paper)

• The student will receive a zero for the assignment (unless the student has previously had a problem in the course with plagiarism--if so, the student receives a failing grade for the course and will be referred to the campus Judicial Officer for counseling).
• The student will be required to make-up the assignment but will be ineligible for any points on the make-up.
• The student will be required to meet with the instructor and complete an Academic Integrity Report.
• Failure to submit a make-up paper will result in a failing grade for the course.