Grading Criteria for Papers
29 July 2006
This includes the choice of an important thesis, the degree to which you
include material relevant to the defense of your interpretation, your ability
to foresee objections to your interpretation and to rebut them, and the
amount of irrelevant material which must be weeded out of your discussion
(as mentioned above, this last factor counts negatively).
(2) Accuracy
It is extremely important to gain an accurate understanding of the text.
Be careful to read statements in context. If you seem to find a contradiction
in the text, it is quite possible that you have not followed the author's
logic or argumentative process. Try again and see if there is a way to
resolve this apparent contradiction. (In other words, the contradictions
in texts often arise because we bring a certain understanding to the text,
rather than gaining our understanding from it.)
Papers generally are composed of three sections: the introduction, the body, and
the conclusion. Know what you want to say before you write the paper, and strip
off anything which is not essential to making your point. To accomplish this,
it often is helpful to write an outline before you write the paper; and it is
absolutely essential to edit and re-write the paper after you have stripped the
chaff from the first draft.
An original thesis, or a thesis defended in an original way, is sure to be rewarded.
The paper must exhibit inclusive language
and correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, and typography. (Proof-reading
is essential to ensuring the absence of such errors.) The format
of the paper and of notes must conform to the accepted standards for a research
paper. An excessive amount of difficulty in any of these areas will adversely
affect the evaluation. A typical exegetical or research essay would cite at least
6-7 secondary PRINT sources. See here for grading
protocols.
Papers must be submitted on time to receive full credit toward a grade.