You will be assessed according to the learning outcomes. Thus threshold (grade C) work will demonstrate a basic understanding of relevant cases, positions and arguments and of relevant theoretical approaches, a familiarity with some relevant readings, some ability to analyze and evaluate this material and the ability to present and discuss it with some clarity. Good (grade B) and excellent (grade A) work will demonstrate a more thorough grasp of the relevant material, more depth and independence of analysis and evaluation and more clarity and precision in presentation and discussion, while poor (grade D) and fail grade (grade F) level work will reveal substantial deficiencies in understanding, analysis and/or presentation.

John Cabot University’s general assessment criteria

A (95%+) and A- (90-94%) work is relatively rare, expected to stand out from the work of other students and:

directly addresses the question or problem raised, provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information, critically evaluates concepts and theory, relates theory to practice, reflects the student’s own argument and is not just a repetition of standard lecture and reference material, is very accurate, has an element of novelty if not originality, provides evidence of reading beyond the required reading and displays an awareness of methodological concerns and displays an awareness of the limitations of current knowledge.

B+ (87-89%) and B (83-86%) grades indicate a highly competent level of performance and:

directly addresses the question or problem raised, provides a coherent argument drawing on relevant information, shows some ability to evaluate concepts and theory and to relate theory to practice, reflects the student’s own argument and is not just a repetition of standard lecture and reference material, does not suffer from any major errors or omissions, provides evidence of reading beyond the required reading and displays an awareness of other approaches to the problem area.

B- (80-82%) or C+ (77-79%) work is an acceptable level of performance and:

addresses the question but provides only a basic outline of relevant arguments and evidence along the lines offered in the lectures and referenced readings, gives answers that are clear but limited and with some minor omissions and inaccuracies, although no major errors.

C (73-76%) or C- (70-72%) work demonstrates some knowledge and an element of understanding, but is weak and:

points made in the answer are not always well supported by argument and evidence, relevant points have been omitted from the answer, there are some errors in the answer, parts of the question remain unanswered and answers may be unduly brief and possibly in note form.

D+ (67-69%), D (63-66%) or D- (60-62%) work does just enough to persuade the instructor that they should not be failed and:

answers lack a coherent grasp of the problems and issues raised in the question, important information has been omitted from the answers and irrelevant points have been included and answers are far too brief.

Fail (below 60%) work fails to convince the instructor that students have benefited from academic study and:

fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question, reveals fundamental misunderstanding of the subject matter and most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.