Grading Guidelines and Academic Integrity Policy

Grading Guidelines: I give out numerical rather than alphabetical grades. The scale is:

97 = A+

93 = A

90 = A-

87 = B+

83 = B

80 = B-

77 = C+

73 = C

70 = C-

67 = D+

63 = D

60 = D-

59 & below = F

F = You fail to turn in the paper, or your paper lacks a thesis, or you have no arguments or evidence in defense of your thesis. Simply completing the work does not guarantee a passing grade.

D = A thesis with some supporting arguments and examples/quotations. A “D” signifies serious problems with the organization of the argument (weak topic sentences, unconvincing examples, no transitions between ideas) and/or with expression (diction, wordiness, poor grammar, mechanical errors, lack of necessary specifics).

C = A clear thesis, with some convincing supporting arguments with examples/quotations. Some acknowledgment of relevant objections, if appropriate. A “C” indicates that there are problems with organization and/or developments of the thesis, although the writing may be clear and the argument convincing.

B = A clear thesis, with fully developed and convincing supporting arguments. Appropriate and helpful examples/quotations. Careful attention to details of expression, whether verbal or visual. Sensitivity to the subtleties of the text. You demonstrate that you are a careful reader as well as a competent writer. Consideration and refutation of relevant objections, if appropriate. Free of mechanical errors.

A = Everything required for a B, plus significant, original thought. The thesis and analysis in an “A” paper are sophisticated, complex, subtle. In particular, the work with quotations closely reads and builds on the ideas in the quotations.

English Department Policy on Plagiarism

In support of Stonehill College's Academic Integrity Policy, the English Department requires that its faculty notify the Director of Academic Services about every student who has plagiarized or violated the Academic Honor Code in any manner.  All members of the College community have the responsibility to be familiar with and to follow the College's policy on academic integrity.  Since the actions that constitute violation of the policy are covered in many places, including The Hill Book and in presentations at orientation, pleading ignorance will not work.  If you have questions about what constitutes a violation of the code or how to incorporate outside sources in your work, please consult with your professor before you turn in your assignment.

Academic Integrity:

(From the The Hill Book): Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to the following actions:

a) presenting another's work as if it were one's own;

b) failing to acknowledge or document a source even if the action is unintended (i. e. plagiarism)

[N. B. This can take various forms: 1) using the writer's exact words; 2) paraphrasing the argument without crediting the author; 3) providing a paraphrase that is too close to the original—even if you cite the author; 4) even following the general outline or drift of the argument without indicating the source of the idea];

c) giving or receiving, or attempting to give or receive, unauthorized assistance or information in an assignment or examination;

d) fabricating data;

e) submitting the same assignment in two or more courses without prior permission of the respective instructors;

f) having another person write a paper or sit for an examination;

g) unauthorized use of electronic devices to complete work; or

h) Furnishing false information, including lying or fabricating excuses, for incomplete work.

Because we have reviewed in class what constitutes academic honesty, we will not consider ignorance of the rules to be a valid excuse.   A violation of Stonehill’s Academic Integrity Policy will result in a failing grade for the assignment without possibility of re-submitting it.