Grading

criteria

Excellent

Competent  

Developing

Weak

Strength of argument 

7pts possible

Clearly argued with direct citations and thorough evidence provided.  Student has clearly researched the topic and has a very strong understanding of the impact, disparities, interventions, and knowledge gaps about the topic.  All questions in the prompts are clearly answered. Minimal need for improvement. (6.5-7)

Student argues importance and presents an informed opinion supported by citations. Student demonstrates good understanding of the public health issue. All of the questions in the prompts are answered. A few areas need improvement. (5.5-6)

Student demonstrates a developing understanding of the public health issue and importance. Relies more on opinion and does not adequately cite supporting materials. Adequately answers some of the prompts about the topic. Several areas need improvement. (5)

Inadequate argument. Demonstrates a weak understanding of the public health topic. Writes mostly in generalities and relies on opinion without citations, using few or no direct sources. Several areas need improvement or are missing entirely.

(0.5-4.5)

Topic justification and relevance for course

5pts possible

Student has carefully chosen a rich topic that is broad enough but not too niche so it can be explored from a variety of perspectives. (4.5-5)

Student has successfully connected the topic to social and behavioral health, but requires some refinement in focus. (4)

Student has attempted to connect their chosen topic to social/behavioral health but is asked to adjust focus or broaden/narrow scope. 

(3.5)

Student is asked to choose a different topic because it is too narrow or broad, or does not sufficiently apply to social/behavioral topics.

(0.5-3)

Academic writing quality

5pts possible

Excellent scientific and academic writing quality. Paper is written in a concise scholarly tone, is well organized, uses appropriate vocabulary and standard English. The flow of the paper is clear, logical, and coherent. The introduction and conclusion frame the paper well. (4.5-5)

Good writing quality. Paper is written in a professional tone, is well organized and rarely strays from appropriate vocabulary or standard English. Clear and logical flow. The introduction and conclusion frame the paper well. (4)

The writing is acceptable and communicates ideas, but lacks a professional or academic tone. Organization, clarity, and flow need improvement. The paper strays from standard English and/or the writing quality interferes with evaluating the argument.

(3.5)

The writing is in a casual tone. The paper is not organized clearly or lacks clarity or flow. The introduction and conclusions are weak or absent. The paper strays from standard English. The writing quality is in the way of understanding the argument. (0.5-3)

Writing skill and APA formatting

3pts possible

Strong skill, no errors in spelling, punctuation, and mechanics. Properly follows

APA with no errors (3)

Satisfactory skill. Minor errors in spelling, punctuation, or mechanics. APA has minimal errors. (2.5)

Inconsistent skill. Notable errors in spelling, punctuation, or mechanics. APA has notable errors.  (2)

Inadequate skill. Several major errors in spelling, punctuation, or mechanics. APA writing style is absent. (0.5-1.5)

Total earned points (out of 20 possible)

Late work adjustment (-10% or 2pts for each day late)

Final grade

A: 90-100% (18-20 pts) / B: 80-89% (16-17.5 pts) / C: 70-79% (14-15.5 pts) / BC below 70% (13.5 pts or below)