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APPENDIX 3

CRITERIA FOR GRADING ANTHROPOLOGY 3 ESSAYS AND BOOK REVIEWS

A An excellent essay is comprehensive of the topics and details that are relevant to the question posed.  It is well-organized, beginning with a clearly stated thesis (this could be stated in a "topic sentence" of the first paragraph).  It is written in a clear expository style.  It is spell-checked and has no spelling or grammatical errors.  It includes examples of points made or topics discussed, drawn from course lectures, films, readings, and other relevant experiences. 

B  A very good essay is generally comprehensive of topics and details related to the question posed, but it may lack a few points that are relevant.  It is generally well-organized, beginning with a clearly stated thesis, but either this or other details of organization might need more work.  It is written in a generally clear expository style but may have some phrasing that is awkward or unclear, or it may display some spelling or grammatical errors.  Examples to support main points or topics may be lacking or one may be inapt (e.g. "dendrochronology was used to date the Laetolil footprints").  NOTE:  if the essay displays problems in all these areas, it is more properly given a "C" grade.

C A satisfactory essay displays adequate comprehension of the topics and details relevant to the question posed, but it does not present a full discussion.  It may have some serious problems in thesis and organization and/or it may suffer from lack of proofreading for typos, misspellings, or grammatical errors.  It may be lacking in apt examples, or use inapt examples, to support main points or topics.  NOTE:  There is no "C-" as a final grade at UCSC.

D  A barely passing essay displays so little comprehension of the topics and details relevant to the question posed, that does not represent a satisfactory treatment.  Although some factually correct information is included, such serious problems in thesis and organization, clarity of expression, proofreading for typos, misspellings, and/or grammatical errors exist that it is unclear that the writer has a grasp of the topic discussed.  It may be lacking in apt examples to support main points or topics, or use inapt examples.

F  A failing essay displays such serious problems in treatment of the topic discussed, in terms of comprehensiveness, organization, clarity of expression, typos, misspellings, grammatical errors, and/or supporting examples that it is not an acceptable treatment of the topic.

NOTE:  Plus and Minus signs modify these basic grades and more finely reflect the level of performance of each student requesting a letter grade.

NOTE:  Students taking the Pass/Not Pass option should note that the same standards apply to their work.  Evaluation of their written work will take into account the same criteria for determining "P" or "NP" notations for the final grade, with all work considered "satisfactory" or better earning a "P."