Discussion Rubric

30 points. You are required to make one posting based on the assigned material that discusses the question or questions stated. Use of evidence to support your position is imperative for a good grade. 3 paragraphs are required minimum for the main post.

Then you must respond to at least 2 postings by another person or persons. The response cannot simply say “I agree” or “I disagree.” Your posting should indicate that you understand that person’s point of view then give your own opinion. For maximum points, you should justify your opinion with evidence from the readings.

	Exemplary	Acceptable	Unacceptable
An understanding of topic and source material was well expressed	Good concise statement(s) that explain(s) the type(s) of sources. This should be a well-crafted paragraph that fully identifies the source(s). 5 Points	Seems to get the overall idea of what type of source it was, but has some problems with expressing this. 3-4 Points	Attempted to explain the type of source, but missed the point. 0-2 Points
Opinion was included in response.	Well articulated opinion that is directly responsive to the question asked offered; grammar excellent 5 Points	Opinion offered that is responsive to the question asked; however some problems in expressing this. 3-4 Points	Opinion offered, but either not responsive to question, or very badly expressed . 0-2 Points
Evidence offered to support opinion	Direct evidence from the primary sources offered to support opinion; well expressed. 5 Points	Evidence offered, but either is not on point or has some grammatical problems 3-4 Points	No evidence offered or evidence offered is inappropriate for argument; serious grammar problems. 0-2 Points
Connection made to place this topic in an appropriate place in history or to other events we have studied.	Connection is logical and well stated, offering substantial evidence. 5 Points	Connection is made, but weak and not supported by evidence. 3 Points	No connection is attempted at all. 0-2 Points
Responses to other Posting	2 well-expressed responses to other postings. 4-5 Points each	Responded to other postings, but simply agreed/ disagreed with the person and offered no comment. 1-2 Points	Did not respond 0 points
Grammatical problems	No more than 1-2 errors in all postings 1-2 points deducted	3-4 errors in postings 3 Points deducted	5 or more errors 5-7 points deducted