Below is a general idea of what a grade means in this course:

• A+ (95-100)     Displays a mastery of course content at the highest level and an exceptional understanding of both thematic and detailed content; all assignments are completed thoroughly and thoughtfully; analytical writing is insightful and well-developed from themes we’ve discussed in class; participation is class discussion is regular and substantive (questions proposed enhance discussion).
• A (90-94)     Mastery of most of the course content at a high level; analytical writing is insightful and developed; actively participates in discussions, providing commentary and asks trenchant questions
• B+ (85-89)    Displays a better than average understanding of the course content; assignments are completed thoroughly and thoughtfully; analytical writing shows significant development from themes discussed in class; frequently participates in class discussions and asks relevant questions.
• B (80-84)     Displays a sound understanding of the course content; analytical writing shows some development; engagement in discussions is inconsistent – often needs to be called upon to elicit comment.
• C+ (75-79)     Displays a partial understanding of the course content; assignments are not always completed with care; analytical writing is undeveloped and/or uninformed by themes discussed in class; rarely participates substantively in discussions.
• C  (70-74)      Displays a beginning or rudimentary understanding of the course content; some assignments are missing or not completed with care; analytical writing is undeveloped or uninformed by themes discussed in class; rarely participates in class discussion.
• D+ (65-69)     Displays a below-standard grasp of course content; assignments are missing or not completed with care; analytical writing remains undeveloped with little systematic thought; participates little or not at all in class discussion.
• D (60-64)      Displays little or no understanding of the course content; many assignments are missing or not completed with care; poor analytical writing with little systematic thought; rarely participates in class discussions.