Grading Rubrics
Inquiry-Based Discussions
As you read the assigned chapter(s) in the textbook, think about the assigned Inquiry-Based Discussion prompt. When you are done reading the chapter, formulate a response to the prompt and share your thoughts on Flipgrid in a 3 - 5 minute video. Your response must include the following:
Provide background information for historical context surrounding this time period.
Cite 3-5 pieces of evidence to support your claim
Reply to a classmate and engage in a discussion. In doing so, add value to the conversation with new information rather than simply agreeing or disagreeing.
You will be evaluated based on the rubric below. Your video analysis on Inquiry-Based Discussions will count for 15% of your grade.
Criteria & Description
Context
Response includes historical context and demonstrates clear understanding of the topic/theme/time period
Evidence
Response includes 3 - 5 pieces of evidence
Response demonstrates critical thinking/reasoning
Mechanics
Adheres to time limits & due dates
Scale
1 – unacceptable
2 – acceptable but in need of
improvement
3 – competent
4 – good
5 – superior
Video Analysis
There will be several assigned documentary films you will be required to view throughout the course. For each film you will be asked to respond to four questions on a Discussion Forum. Read and reply to another student's comments and engage in a discussion.
What did you already know about the film’s topic?
What information in the film was new to you?
What did you like/dislike about the film?
What would you like to know more about?
You will be evaluated based on the rubric below. Your responses to Video Analysis Discussion will count for 15% of your grade.
Criteria & Description
What did you already know about the film’s topic?
Response includes a paragraph about prior knowledge with 1-3 details about the topic
What information in the film was new to you?
Response includes a paragraph with at least 3 - 5 pieces of evidence from the film
What did you like/dislike about the film?
Response includes a paragraph that evaluates the film’s content and aesthetic
What do you want to know more about?
Response includes a paragraph about student inquiries that may fill gaps in knowledge
Procedural
Adheres to due dates
Demonstrates proper grammar/spelling
Replies to a peer adds new information, including source information, to the discussion rather than simply agreeing or disagreeing
Scale
1 – unacceptable
2 – acceptable but in need of
improvement
3 – competent
4 – good
5 – superior
Primary Source Analysis
There will be several assigned primary source documents you will be asked to analyze throughout the course.. For each document you will be asked to respond to a series of scaffolded questions and respond on a Form and/or participate in a class discussion.
You will be evaluated based on the rubric below. Your responses to Primary Source Analysis Discussions will count for 15% of your grade.
Unsatisfactory
1 PointThe reader does not discuss and shows little understanding of the historical context. The reader fails to adequately understand the content and meaning of the document.
Limited
2 PointsThere is little or no analysis of the document, and discussion of it is largely limited to summarizing the content of the document.
Developing
3 PointsThe analysis of the document shows some insight, but is flawed in some way, because of either failure to properly understand the document, factual errors in understanding the history, or weaknesses in logic.
Satisfactory
4 PointsThe analysis of the document is solid and straightforward, showing a good understanding of the content of the document and an ability to use that understanding to illustrate the document, its author and/or the time period
Exceptional
5 PointsThe analysis of the document is sharp, sophisticated and insightful, reflecting both an understanding of the general content of the document and and ability to engage with the specifics of the document to gain insight into the document, its author and/or the time period.
Diverse Interpretations Essays
Another way I will evaluate your work is through your writing. You will be assigned several readings from a series entitled Taking Sides--Clashing Views in World History. These readings pose a single question and offer two diverse interpretations--a Yes position and a No position. You will be asked to summarize each position and decide which author’s arguments are more valid. You must respond in a 1 - 2 page essay (4 paragraphs), which you can word process and attach to your discussion post, or type directly in a text box in Blackboard’s discussion board.
Paragraph 1: Introduction that includes a Thesis Statement and historical context--provide background information on the time period and provide YOUR response to the question. Which argument do you think is more credible and why?
Paragraph 2: Summary of the Yes position citing three pieces of evidence from the text
Paragraph 3: Summary of the No position citing three pieces of evidence from the text
Paragraph 4: Analysis/Evaluation that identifies which position you agree with and why and is supported by at least two pieces of evidence from outside scholarly sources (Wikipedia, dictionary.com, and related sites do not count).
Note: You must also cite your sources within the text of your essay and include a References page in the APA format.
You will be evaluated based on the rubric below. Your written analysis on Diverse Interpretation Essays will count for 40% of your grade.