BSRC Writing Rubric

Criteria

Exemplary

Accomplished

Developing

Emerging

Paper Focus/ Topic/Purpose/Position (Thesis)

(25%)

Research paper's topic, purpose, or position statement is well-developed, readily apparent, and clearly stated. Consistently maintains the focal point throughout the paper.

Paper's central topic, purpose, or position statement is apparent and is the focal point of the paper for the most part, but may digress from it on occasion.

Paper's central purpose or position statement is somewhat unclear and needs to be developed further; focus of paper is not consistently clear

Paper's central purpose or position statement is generally unclear and paper lacks focus overall.

Depth and Evidence (Sources)

(25%)

Central purpose or position is supported in-depth with at least 5 sources that are highly relevant, accurate, reliable, and primary, and each adds to the strength of the paper. Sources are skillfully referenced throughout the paper.

Central purpose or position is supported with at least 5 sources that are mostly relevant, accurate, reliable, and primary. Sources are integrated well into the paper for the most part.

Central purpose or position is largely supported but with less than 5 sources and/or some sources may not be relevant, accurate, reliable, or primary, and/or some sources are not integrated well in the paper.

Central purpose or position is not supported with sufficient research sources and/or are generally not relevant, accurate, reliable, or primary, and/or sources are generally not integrated well in the paper.

Organization

(20%)

Paper is well-organized. Ideas are arranged logically, flow smoothly, with a strong progression of thought from paragraph to paragraph connecting to the central purpose or position statement. Includes all required components.

Paper is organized for the most part. Ideas are arranged logically and usually linked clearly from paragraph to paragraph connecting to the central purpose or position statement. Includes required components for the most part.

Paper is organized in general, although occasionally ideas from paragraph to paragraph may not make sense to the central purpose or position statement and/or be clear as a whole and/or may be lacking a required component.

Paper lacks logical organization and impedes readers' comprehension of ideas. Central purpose or position statement is rarely evident from paragraph to paragraph, and/or is missing required components.

Writing Quality & Adherence to Format Guidelines

(15%)

Paper is well written and clear using standard English characterized by elements of a strong writing style and basically free from grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage, or formatting errors. 5-10 pages in length, not including cover, abstract, or additional materials.

Paper shows above average writing style and clarity and uses standard English with little errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage, and/or formatting. 5-10 pages in length, not including cover, abstract, or additional materials.

Paper shows an average or casual writing style based on standard English with some errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage, and/or formatting. Under 5 or over 10  pages in length, not including cover, abstract, or additional materials.

Paper shows a below average or poor writing style based on appropriate standard English with frequent errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage, and/or formatting. Under 5 or over 10  pages in length, not including cover, abstract, or additional materials.

Diagrams & Illustrations

(15%)

Diagrams and illustrations are neat, accurate, appropriately sized, captioned, placed, and add to the reader's understanding of the topic.

Diagrams and illustrations are accurate, and are mostly neat, appropriately sized, captioned, and placed; for the most part, they add to the reader's understanding of the topic.

Diagrams and illustrations are accurate, and are usually appropriately sized, captioned, and placed; they sometimes add to the reader's understanding of the topic.

Diagrams and illustrations are not present or not accurate, and/or generally are not appropriately sized, captioned, or placed; they seldom add to the reader's understanding of the topic.

BSRC Program Course Schedule

Semester

Term (Y1)

Term (Y2)

Fall

Term 1

B10

B20

Term 2

B30

COUN B10

Term 5

B40

PHIL B10

Term 6

B15

B60

Spring

Term 3

B50

SOSC B10

Term 4

B52

SOCI B10 

Term 7

B90 (Capstone)

Summer

Term 4.5

-