Excellent (A) 27 to 30 points – Identifies and explains all of the main issues in question with an insightful and thorough analysis of all of the issues. Responses demonstrate new understanding of the topic.

Satisfactory (B) 24 to 26.9 points – Identifies and explains most of the main issues in question with a thorough analysis of most of the issues. Responses demonstrate some new understanding of the topic.

Passing (C) 21 to 23.9 points – Identifies and explains some of the issues in question with a superficial analysis of most of the issues. Responses demonstrate little to no new understanding of the topic.

Near Failing (D) 18 to 20.9 – Identifies and/ or explains very little of the issues in question with no analysis present. Responses demonstrate weak understanding of the topic.

Failing (F) 0 – Identifies and/ or explains irrelevant information. Responses demonstrate no understanding of the topic.

Excellent (A) 18 to 20 points – Excellent research into the issues with clearly documented links to class readings and appropriate outside materials. References properly documented in APA format.

Satisfactory (B) 16 to 17.9 points – Proficient research into the issues with clearly documented links to class readings or appropriate outside materials, but not both. References documented in APA format with one or two errors.

Passing (C) 14 to 15.9 points – Limited research or documented links to course readings or appropriate outside materials. References documented in APA format with more than two errors.

Near Failing (D) 12 to 13.9 – Limited to no references or connections to readings. Did not use APA format.

Failing (F) 0 – Provided no references or support of analysis. No evidence of APA use.

Excellent (A) 13.5 to15 points – Completes more than the minimum amount of required responses. Responses are articulate, well thought out, and encourage discussion.

Satisfactory (B) 16 to 17.9 points – Initial post contains original content but is posted later in the module week, leaving other students little time to post their responses.

Passing (C) 14 to 15.9 points – Initial post contains mostly original content but is posted early in the module week giving other students the opportunity to post their responses.

Near Failing (D) 12 to 13.9 – Initial post contains mostly unoriginal content and is posted late in the module week.

Failing (F) 0 – Initial post contains unoriginal content and is posted late in the module.

Excellent (A) 13.5 to15 points – Completes more than the minimum amount of required responses. Responses are articulate, well thought out, and encourage discussion.

Satisfactory (B) 12 to 13.4 points – Completes the minimum amount of required responses. Some responses contribute to ongoing conversations while others are disconnected. Student may post a significant number of messages that do not contribute substantively.

Passing (C) 10.5 to 11.9 – Completes the minimum amount of required responses. Responses are disconnected with what others are saying. Student does not reply to messages directed towards them.

Near Failing (D) 9 to 10.4 – Student does not complete the minimum amount of required responses.

Failing (F) 0 – No responses to peers.

Excellent (A) 13.5 to15 points – Chooses words for their precise meaning and uses an appropriate level of specificity. Sentence style fits audience and purpose. Sentences are clearly structured and carefully focused. Almost entirely free of errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Satisfactory (B) 12 to 13.4 points – Uses words accurately and effectively but may be too general. Sentences are for the most part clear, structured, and focused, though some may be awkward or ineffective. May contain a few errors which may annoy the reader but does not impede understanding.

Passing (C) 10.5 to 11.9 points – Uses relatively vague and general words and may use some inappropriate language. Sentence’s structure is generally correct but sentences may be wordy, unfocused, repetitive, or confusing. Usually contains several spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors which may temporarily confuse the reader but not impede overall understanding.

Tends to be vague and abstract, or very personal and specific. Usually contains several awkward or ungrammatical sentences. Usually contains either many mechanical errors or a few important errors that block the reader’s understanding and ability to see connections between thoughts.

Failing (F) 0 – Misuse of words and awkward sentences throughout. Contains many errors in spelling, grammar, and/or punctuation.