Signature Essay: AN ANALYSIS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

This is a formal essay, utilizing all of the historical skills learned in the exercises, and is analytical in nature. It assesses your abilities with the course materials and core objectives of this course. History 1301 United States History to 1865.
ignature Assignment
Signature Assignment
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeRule of Three Thesis
5.0 pts
Excellent
Well thought out Rule of Three thesis statement in ONE SENTENCE that is detailed in all three key points and demonstrates a deep understanding of the prompt
3.75 pts
Very Good
Implied thesis statement in the introduction or non-Rule of Three thesis statement or Rule of Three thesis statement that shows misunderstanding of the prompt.
2.5 pts
Needs Improvement
Identifiable rule of three thesis statement that includes sufficient detail to demonstrate a strong understanding of the prompt; a strong Rule of Three thesis statement in more than one sentence that meets above criteria is acceptable, but at the lower end of the grading range.
5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeParagraphs of the Body
5.0 pts
Excellent
Each key point in the overall thesis has its own paragraph in the body and each paragraph has its own clear thesis statement
3.75 pts
Very Good
Each key point in the overall thesis has its own paragraph in the body laid out in proper order but one or more paragraphs do not have a clear thesis statement
2.5 pts
Needs Improvement
Body does not have one paragraph (minimum) for each key point of the in the overall thesis statement or three paragraphs are present, but they are not laid out in the proper order
5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeEthics/Civics
15.0 pts
Excellent
Essay explicitly discusses ethics and civics in a meaningful way which demonstrates a deep understanding of the history and course materials.
12.0 pts
Very Good
Essay does not explicitly discuss ethics and civics in a meaningful way or discussion of ethics and civics demonstrates some misunderstandings of the nature of the change
7.5 pts
Needs Improvement
Essay does not explicitly discuss ethics and civics in a meaningful way or discussion of ethics and civics demonstrates some misunderstandings of the nature of the change
15.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeHistorical Geography
5.0 pts
Excellent
Essay explicitly discusses geography in a meaningful way which demonstrates a deep understanding of the history and course materials.
4.0 pts
Very Good
Essay does not explicitly discuss geography in a meaningful way or discussion of geography demonstrates some misunderstandings of the nature of the change
0.0 pts
Needs Improvement
Essay does not discuss historical geography in a meaningful way or discussion of geography demonstrates some misunderstandings of the nature of the change
5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeHistorical Accuracy, Clarity of Argument, Logical Analysis
40.0 pts
Excellent
Essay clearly answers the prompt. The historical evidence given to back up statements and ideas are very detailed and specific, historically accurate, and demonstrate a deep understanding of the history, course materials, and the prompt. The argument is clear and logical.
32.0 pts
Very Good
Essay clearly answers the prompt. The historical evidence given to back up statements is specific and ideas are historically accurate and sufficiently detailed to demonstrate a strong understanding of the history, course materials, and the prompt. The argument is mostly clear and logical.
28.0 pts
Needs Improvement
The essay does not clearly address the prompt and/or does not provide detailed historical examples as evidence and/or the historical evidence given to support statements and ideas demonstrate some misunderstandings of the course materials and the prompt and/or there are historical inaccuracies and/or argument lacks clarity and logic
40.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePrimary Sources
10.0 pts
Excellent
Three primary sources relevant to the prompt
7.5 pts
Very Good
Two primary sources relevant to the prompt
5.0 pts
Needs Improvement
1 relevant primary source
0.0 pts
Unacceptable
No primary sources or sources from outside assigned materials
10.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSecondary Sources
10.0 pts
Excellent
Three secondary sources are used clearly
7.5 pts
Very Good
Two secondary sources relevant to the prompt
5.0 pts
Needs Improvement
1 relevant source used
0.0 pts
Unacceptable
No secondary sources or sources used from outside of assigned materials
10.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCitations
5.0 pts
Excellent
Essay consistently used clear Turabian/Chicago style citations.
4.0 pts
Very Good
Essay uattempted use of Turabian/Chicago footnote citations with style problems
2.0 pts
Needs Improvement
Parenthetical citations and/or citation in a style other than Turabian/Chicago
0.0 pts
Needs Improvement
No citations
5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSpelling and Grammar and Mechanics
5.0 pts
Excellent
Essay contains no spelling and gramar errors and is mechanically sound.
4.0 pts
Very Good
Very few spelling or grammar errors which do not detract from the overall argument of the essay
2.5 pts
Needs Improvement
Essay contains too many grammatical or spelling errors - not up to freshman level college writing or does not meet length requirements and/or other mechanical requirements.
5.0 pts
Total Points: 100.0