Standard rules of grammar and organization apply here. Provide a clear thesis in your paragraph-long response, and make sure that your spelling and language are befitting the aims of the course.
Each week, the forums will be evaluated according to the following scale, which will be applied to both original and response posts:
9-10 = excellent post with a clear sense of purpose and articulated ideas as expressed in an organized paragraph (or in keeping with the individual assignment requirements). Support appears in carefully interpreted direct quotations or paraphrase, either of which shows a critical engagement with the text. Syntax is concise and style is free of grammatical error.
8 = good post with occasional references to the text that suggests understanding of the primary material. Paragraph(s) are focused but leave some questions unanswered.
6-7 = average post with general comments about the readings to suggest a superficial reading at best. Development is lacking or only peripherally linked to the primary materials.
5 or less = insufficient engagement with the texts or ideas. Grammar errors abound.
