Writing Mechanics
Proofread; clearly organized; clear and effective use of transitions; and written in a scholarly voice (i.e., author utilizes appropriate tone and language).
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction
An introductory paragraph that: 1) orients the reader to your research question and suggests why it is important; 2) provides a description or brief overview of the artifact so that the reader becomes somewhat familiar with it and understands its social/cultural significance; 3) describes the rhetorical method you are using to analyze the artifact, which briefly summarizes the method and suggests why it is appropriate for answering the research question and analyzing the artifact; 4) makes a clear argumentative claim (thesis statement) that answers the research question; 5) provides a preview of your analytic findings and their implications for/contributions to the study of communication/rhetoric.
25 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBody
A report of the findings of the analysis that: 1) tells what has been discovered from an application of the method to the artifact; 2) provides an interpretation or discussion of what the analysis of the artifact means; 3) provides an evaluation of the artifact, where you assess or judge the degree to which the artifact is a model or meets the standards of rhetorical practice set forth by the selected method.
25 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeConclusion
A discussion of the contribution(s) made to the understanding of communication/rhetoric as a result of the analysis (i.e., answers the larger “so what?” question without overgeneralizing).
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeResearch
Meets or exceeds minimum research requirements: uses a variety of credible sources; sources are relevant; non-scholarly sources are balanced with scholarly sources. Demonstrates an ability to synthesize and incorporate research: balances quotations, paraphrases, and summaries.
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeJustification
Makes a claim and uses data from the artifact to support this claim (answers the question: how does the artifact support your claim?).
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeReasonable Inferences
Demonstrates how you got from the data to your claim(s) (answer the question: why does the data mean your claim is legitimate?).
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCoherence
Findings do not contradict one another; Nothing major from the artifact is left unexplained; Findings are clear and easy to follow (i.e., author uses consistent and accurate labels and language).
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA Formatting
Title page, references page, and in-text parenthetical citations are included and formatted correctly in APA.
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCritical Thinking and Creativity
Essay demonstrates an ability to think deeply, critically, and creatively about the artifact as well as course and research content.
