© Michelli

Foundations Of Western Art
Special Grading Policy

Fall, 2000

This introductory system has been worked out for any written-paper assignments in the Foundations of Western Art courses. It is designed to create good working habits which should stand you in good stead for more advanced courses. But please note: this system is only a start! For more advanced work, please see my general Grading Policy, which assumes that you have these basics under your belt.

For the Foundations courses, use this policy as a check list while preparing your projects, and see if you can prevent the needless loss of grade points.

Presentation (a professional appearance): 25% of total grade for each project

5%

Text competently word processed.

Spaces between each word.

Capital letters for names and new sentences.

Word counter run, and result noted at end of text (not hand written).

5%

Text spell checked and successfully proof read.

Correct spelling.

Correct use of similar words (their/there, alter/altar, etc).

Get help if necessary.

5%

Layout.

Weighted titles.

1" margins.

Double line spacing (not 1 1/2).

Relevant paragraph breaks.

10%

Bibliography.

Weighted title.

Set on separate page, or at end of text (NOT on illustration pages).

At least three works, better five or more.

Complete references, including

author, title, publisher, location, date (and page references if relevant);

author, title, and complete URL for web sources (plus academic affiliation and date if known).

Proof read it! Accuracy is essential!

Content: 70% of total grade for each project

10%

Relevant and complete response to question

Doing the assigned project.

Writing the required length.

15%

Introduction.

Artistic importance or interest of topic.

Typical features or approach of artist.

Thesis Statement

10%

Discussion.

Discussion centers on 2-3 named examples.

Discussion develops introduction and supports conclusion.

10%

Conclusion.

Summary.

Relate artist to period (introduces, develops, exhausts, changes ideas).

Relate period to field of western art.

5%

Personal, independent approach.

Observation, discussion centered on illustrations or named examples.

Interpretation: speculating on reasons and meanings.

5%

Informed Response.

Showing where your views and/or findings challenge or develop published authorities, or where they address material or issues that have not been considered in print before.

5%

Acknowledgment of sources in footnotes or brackets, if used.

References are required if you quote passages.

References are required if you report specific information

References are required if you note other people's opinions (e.g. "some say", "is considered", etc).

5%

Competent grammar and vocab.

Get help if necessary.

5%

Adult style.

Avoid repeating words.

Avoid repeating sentence structures.

Let the discussion flow logically from one sentence to the next.

Get help if necessary.

5%

Professor's judgement call on total quality.

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