SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Disciplinary Mastery (30%)

A

A-

B+

B

B-

C

D

F

• Uses terminology correctly
• Uses scholarly resources of the discipline
• Applies appropriate models, methods, and philosophical arguments from the discipline

Comments:

Score: ______/30 points

Information Gathering & Critical Thinking (40%)

A

A-

B+

B

B-

C

D

F

Introduction and Research Design (10%)

A

A-

B+

B

B-

C

D

F

• Thesis or research question is clearly stated

• Research is grounded in and guided by theory

• Introduction lays out the problem and explains why the question is interesting and/or important

• Research Design is explained and justified—methodology is appropriate for the topic

Comments:

Score _______/10 points

Literature Review (10%)

A

A-

B+

B

B-

C

D

F

• Does a well-written, comprehensive, and cohesive summary of extant literature on the question
• Uses valid and reputable sources

• If applicable, reviews literature on both sides of an issue or question

• Critically evaluates the existing studies on the subject, pointing out strengths and weaknesses (bias, methods, fallacies in reasoning, etc.)

• Clearly identifies how the thesis relates to the literature on the issue

Comments:

Score _______/10 points

Data or Information Collection (10%) [depending on the topic, students may collect primary data, or use primary sources, run lab experiments, or use secondary sources in an extended literature review]

A

A-

B+

B

B-

C

D

F

• Gathers data needed to test hypotheses or answer research question
• Correctly analyzes and interprets data or information
• Gathers sufficient information to reach justifiable conclusions

Comments:

Score _______/10 points

Conclusion: Analysis and/or Judgment (10%)

A

A-

B+

B

B-

C

D

F

• Objectively follows data, using reason and evidence to reach conclusions
• Synthesizes earlier literature review and data collection into a cohesive whole
• Supports conclusions with clear arguments
• Identifies and, if appropriate, refutes alternative conclusions or counter-arguments
• Considers broader ethical or social implications of the conclusion where appropriate

Comments:

Score _______/10 points

Communication (20%)

A

A-

B+

B

B-

C

D

F

Written (10%)

A

A-

B+

B

B-

C

D

F

• Free of spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors
• Clearly presented, easy to read and understand
• Logically organized, arguments tied together
• Accessible to non-specialists

Comments:

Score _______/10 points

Oral (formal presentation and defense) (10%)

A

A-

B+

B

B-

C

D

F

• Communicates clearly
• Well-organized presentation
• Appropriate use of visual aids
• Responds to questions authoritatively
• Explains technical issues to non-specialists
• Shows ability to relate thesis data or arguments to tangential issues

Comments:

Score _______/10 points

Effort (10%)

A

A-

B+

B

B-

C

D

F

• Has gone through multiple revisions and student worked closely with advisor and/or Honors Director
• Has extensive bibliography including significant and notable related works
• Length is appropriate to topic and adequate to cover topic (minimum length is 20 pages of text)
• Defense demonstrates in-depth understanding of topic
• Thesis is a good example of a culminating scholarly work

Comments:

Total Score ________/100 points

Suggested Overall Grade _______________

Additional Comments/Rationale:

Signature:

Date:

Score _______/10 points