Does not adequately convey topic. Does not delineate subtopics to be discussed in the body of text in the assignment.

Briefly conveys topic and delineates subtopics to be discussed in the body of text in the assignment.

Clearly conveys topic and delineates subtopics to be discussed in the body of text in the assignment.

Strongly conveys topic and delineates subtopics to be discussed in the body of text in the assignment.

Sequencing

Content is not related to topic and logically organized into subtopics; many transitions are unclear or nonexistent.

Content related to topic; material present within subtopics; and some transitions linking subtopics and main topic.

Content clearly related to topic; logically organized within subtopics; and clear transitions linking subtopics and main topic.

Content strongly related to topic; strong organization and integration of content within subtopics; and strong transitions linking subtopics and main topic.

No scholarly, peerreviewed support of topic; supporting materials are not published within 5-7 years, as appropriate.

Limited scholarly, peerreviewed support of topic; most supporting materials are published within 5-7 years, as appropriate.

Clear scholarly, peerreviewed support of topic; supporting materials are published within 5-7 years, as appropriate.

Strong scholarly, peerreviewed support of topic; supporting materials are published within 5-7 years, as appropriate.

No summarization, synthesis, or insightful discussion of topic conclusions. New information is introduced into the conclusion.

Summarization with some synthesis and insightful discussion of topic conclusions. Some new information is introduced into the conclusion.

Clear summarization with synthesis and insightful discussion of topic conclusions. No new information is introduced into the conclusion.

Strong summarization with synthesis and insightful discussion of topic conclusions. No new information is introduced into the conclusion.

Substantial grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors detracting

from the assignment.

Occasional spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors detracting from the assignment.

Minimal grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors not detracting from the assignment.

No grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

Writing mechanics include many awkward or unclear passages and informal tone not consistent with formal scholarly work.

Writing mechanics include awkward or unclear passages and informal tone not always consistent with formal scholarly work.

Writing mechanics include minimal awkward or unclear passages but are consistent with formal scholarly work.

Writing mechanics are consistent with formal scholarly work.

Substantial errors in APA style based upon the required APA manuals listed on the course syllabi.

Occasional errors in APA style based upon the  required APA manuals listed on the course syllabi.

Minimal errors in APA style based upon the required APA manuals listed on the course syllabi.

No errors in APA style based upon the required APA manuals listed on the course syllabi.