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APUS Assignment Rubric Lower Level Undergraduate 300 -400 Courses Updated: June 2012 Full Rubric for Classroom Publication School of Security and Global Studies Rubric Features  Rubric categories are evenly distributed – 20 points per category.  Assignment set tings equal 100 points for each assignment.  Grade book is set for weighted categories (not points).  Separate rubrics in 100 -200, 300 -400, 500 -600 level courses for assignments.  Standard forum discussion rubric for all levels. Quick Table fo r Insertion in Assignments (within Word document) Criteria Exemplary 16 -20 Accomplished 11 -15 Developing 6-10 Beginning 0-5 Total Focus/Thesis Content/Subject Knowledge Critical Thinking Skills Organization of Ideas/Format Writing Conventions Total Focus/Thesis – 20 points Beginning Exhibits a limited understanding of the assignment. Reader is unable to follow the logic used for the thesis and development of key themes. Introduction of thesis is not clearly evident, and reader must look deeper to discover the focus of the writer. Student’s writing is weak in the inclusion of supporting facts or statements. Developing Student exhibits a basic understanding of the intended assignment, but the thesis is not fully supported throughout the assignment. While thesis helps to guide the development of the assignment, the reader may have some difficulty in seeing linkages between thoughts. While student has included a few supporting facts and s tatements, this has limited the quality of the assignment. Accomplished Establishes a good comprehension of topic and in the building of the thesis. Student demonstrates an effective presentation of thesis, with most support statements helping to support t he key focus of assignment. Exemplary Student exhibits a defined and clear understanding of the assignment. The sis is clearly defined and well -constructed to help guide the reader throughout the assignment. Student builds upon the thesis of the assignmen t with well -documented and exceptional supporting facts, figures, and/or statements. ______________________________________________________________________________ Content/Subject Knowledge – 20 points Beginning Student tries to explain some concepts, bu t overlooks critical details. Assignment appears vague or incomplete in various segments. Student presents concepts in isolation, and does not perceive to have a logical sequencing of ideas. Developing The assignment reveals that the student has a general , fundamental understanding of the course material. T here are areas of some concerning in the linkages provided between facts and supporting statements. Student generally explains concepts, but only meets the minimum requirements in this area. Accomplished Student exhibits above average usage of subject matter in assignment. Student provides above average ability in relating course content in examples given. Details and facts presented provide an adequate presentation of student’s current level of subject matter knowledge. Exemplary Student demonstrates proficient command of the subject matter in the assignment.

Assignment shows an impressive level of depth of student’s ability to relate course content to practical examples and applications. Student pro vides comprehensive analysis of details, facts, and concepts in a logical sequence. ______________________________________________________________________________ Critical Thinking Skills – 20 points Beginning Student demonstrates beginning understanding of key concepts, but overlooks critical details. Learner is unable to apply information in a problem -solving fashion. Student presents confusing statements and facts in assignment. No evidence or little semblance of critical thinking skills. Developing Student takes a common, conventional approach in guiding the reader through various linkages and connections presented in assignment. However, student presents a limited perspective on key concepts throughout assignment. Student appears to have problems ap plying information in a problem -solving manner. Accomplished Student exhibits a good command of critical thinking skills in the presentation of material and supporting statements. Assignment demonstrates the student’s above average use of relating concept s by using a variety of factors. Overall, student provi des adequate conclusions, with two or fewer errors. Exemplary Student demonstrates a higher -level of critical thinking necessary for 300 -400 level work. Learner provides a strategic approach in presenting examples of problem solving or critical thinking, while drawing logical conclusions which are not immediately obvious. Student provides well -supported ideas and reflection with a variety of current and/or world views in the assignment. Student p resents a genuine intellectual development of ideas throughout assignment. ______________________________________________________________________________ Organization of Ideas/Format – 20 points Beginning Assignment reveals formatting errors and a lack of organization. Student presents an incomplete attempt to provide linkages or explanation of key terms. The lack of appropriate references or source materials demonstrates the student’s need for additional help or training in this area. Student needs to r eview and revise the assignment. Developing Learner applies some points and concepts incorrectly. Student uses a variety of formatting styles, with some inconsistencies throughout the paper. Assignment does not have a continuous pattern of logical sequ enc ing. Student uses fewer sources or references than required by assignment . Academic sources are lacking. Accomplished Student explains the majority of points and concepts in the assignment. Learner demonstrates a good skill level in formatting and organ izing material in assignment. Student presents an above average level of preparedness, with a few formatting errors. Assignment contains number of academic sources required in assignment. Exemplary Student thoroughly understands and excels in explainin g all major points. An original, unique, and/or imaginative approach to overall ideas, concepts, and findings is presented. Overall format of assignment includes an appropriate introduction (or abstract), well - developed paragraphs, and conclusion. Finishe d assignment demonstrates student’s ability to plan and organize research in a logical sequence. Student uses required number of academic sources or beyond. ______________________________________________________________________________ Writing Conventions (Grammar and Mechanics) – 20 points Beginning Topics, concepts, and ideas are not coherently discussed or expressed in assignments. Student’s writing style is weak and needs improvement, along with numerous proofreading errors.

Assignm ent lacks clarity, consistency, and correctness. Student needs to review and revise assignment. Developing Assignment reflects basic writ ing and grammar, but more than five errors. Key terms and concepts are somewhat vague and not completely explained by student. Student uses a basic vocabulary in assignment. Student’s writing ability is average, but demonstrates a basic understanding of the subject matter. Accomplished Student provides an effective display of good writing and grammar. Assignment reflects student’s ability to select appropriate word usage and present an above average presentation of a given topic or issue. Assignment appears to be wel l written with no more than three -five errors. Student provides a final written product that covers the abo ve -minimal requirements. Exemplary Student demonstrates an excellent command of grammar, as well as presents research in a clear and concise writ ing style. Presents a thorough and extensive understanding of word usage. Student excels in the selection a nd development of a well -planned research assignment. Assignment is error -free and reflects student’s ability to prepare a high -quality academic assignment.