CATEGORY

4 Mastery

3 Proficient

2 Competent

1 Novice

Student's position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis)

Specific position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis) is imaginative, taking into account the complexities of an issue. Limits of position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis) are acknowledged. Others' points of view are synthesized within position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis).

Specific position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis) takes into account the complexities of an issue. Others' points of view are acknowledged within position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis).

Specific position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis) acknowledges different sides of an issue.

Specific position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis) is stated, but is simplistic and obvious.

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Evidence (selecting and using information to investig

Information is taken from source(s) with enough interpretation/evaluation, to develop a comprehensive analysis or synthesis.

Information is taken from source(s) with enough interpretation/evaluation to develop a coherent analysis or synthesis.

Information is taken from source(s) with some interpretation/evaluation, but not enough to develop a coherent analysis or synthesis.

Information is taken from source(s) without any interpretation/ evaluation.

Explanation of issues

Issue/problem to be considered critically is stated clearly and described comprehensively, delivering relevant information necessary for full understanding.

Issue/problem to be considered critically is stated, described and clarified so that understanding is not seriously impeded by omissions.

Issue/problem to be considered critically is stated but description leaves some terms undefined, ambiguities unexplored, boundaries undetermined, and/or backgrounds unknown.

Issue/problem to be considered critically is stated without clarification or description.

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Conclusions and related outcomes (implications and co

Conclusions and related outcomes (consequences and implications) are logical and reflect student's informed evaluation and ability to place evidence and perspectives discussed in priority order.

Conclusion is logically tied to a range of information, including opposing viewpoints; related outcomes (consequences and implications) are identified clearly.

Conclusion is logically tied to information (because information is chosen to fit the desired conclusion); some related outcomes (consequences and implications) are identified clearly.

Conclusion is inconsistently tied to some of the information discussed; related outcomes (consequences and implications) are oversimplified.