Provided below are guidelines utilized to assess student’s work on the case study assignments. These are the characteristics of each paper in the grade range specified.

A: An A group paper will be well written, neatly organized, and contain a clearly articulated policy choice that reflects an understanding of the international situation. It will include consideration of alternate policy choices and provide justification with supporting evidence for the chosen option (s).

An A individual paper will reflect the above characteristics of a well written paper but will focus on the theoretical aspect of the course. It will demonstrate an understanding of theory, and be able to apply theory to the "facts" of the case.

B: A group paper in the B range will be well written with a clearly articulated policy choice that expresses an understanding of the dilemma. A paper in this range may either not fully develop the policy option, not address alternatives or not provide ample support for the justification of the policy choice. A paper in this range will either lack a component of an A paper or contain the proper components but not to the same degree as those in the A level.

An individual paper in this range will use theory in their individual assessment of the policy choice, yet will not communicate as clear an understanding as those within the A level.

C: A group paper earning a C grade range will suffer either from lack of a clearly articulated policy choice, insufficient support or justification, lack of consideration of alternative options, and/or disorganization that inhibits understanding of the paper.

The individual paper in this range will either misapply a theory, demonstrate potential misunderstanding of a theory, or fail to utilize theory in their work.

D: A paper in this range will need more serious improvement in more than one of the areas listed in the C range or will have failed to follow the basic guidelines and requirements for the assignment.

The individual paper in this range fails to contain the components as outlined in the assignment. There is an absence of consideration from a theoretical perspective and the work may be similar to the group assignment (reflecting a lack of individual attention).

Some Codes that you may find on your papers

LCP: Lack of clear policy choice Paper outlines a chosen policy yet provides support for opposing choices without sufficient development or explanation

ORG: Lack of Organization Paper could be improved and more clear with better organization. Examples include paragraphs with inconsistent focus, discussing topic in numerous sections, repetition without deeper development, inconsistency

ISUP: Insufficient Support It is not clear why this policy was favored, more support would increase cogency

ICA: Insufficient consideration Alternatives are not sufficiently addressed- why

of alternatives were the these options not chosen?

GR: Grammar Needs editing. This type of error is noted to assist

in development of writing skills

UDT: Underdeveloped theory The theory is mentioned yet not developed,

difficult to assess degree of understanding

MAT: Misapplied theory Theory is not applied well or language is not clear

NT: No theory Paper fails to apply theories from the course

Modification for Individual Assignments: