ESSAY ASSESSMENT RATING FORM

1.  Argument                            _____        Does the essay propound a thesis?  Does the writer support it with an adequate argument?  Is the argument coherent?  Convincing?

2.  Evidence/Analysis                _____        Does the writer make accurate use of a wide range of primary and secondary sources to support his or her argument?  Does the writer demonstrate analytical and critical skills in using these sources?  Does the writer take proper note of their biases?  Does the writer demonstrate a command of the topic and its historical context?

3.  Historiography                     _____        Does the writer use other historians' work appropriately to frame his or her argument?  Does the writer take account of interpretations that diverge from his or her own?  Does the writer demonstrate critical skills in the use of secondary sources?

4.  Expression                           _____        Does the writer use language skillfully?

5.  Form                                   _____        Does the writer adhere to the normal rules of citation in footnotes, bibliography, etc.?  Are the citations adequate to allow the reader to form a critical opinion of the range and use of sources?

6.  Overall Rating                      _____        Bear in mind that this is a summary judgment of the paper's quality, and need not reflect an average of the categories above.  Such factors as creativity and originality should be considered in this category.

Use the Following Numerical Scale to Rate the Final Seminar Paper:

1           F/D-

2           D

4           C

5           C+

7           B

8           B+

9           A/A-