Reflections Description and Rubric

Description

Reflections are short writing assignments—approximately 3-5 pages apiece. Joe will be grading all reflections for the course, and will grade each reflection out of 20 points. You will submit four reflections throughout the semester. As we grade your reflections, we will evaluate them primarily according to the extent to which they meet the following criteria:

  1. The reflection thoroughly addresses all aspects of the assigned prompt. 

  2. The reflection interacts with course material by bringing in at least one reading into your discussion, as well as other readings, resources, and class discussions when relevant.

  3. The reflection adds something to the conversation about the topic. In short, it does real work. 

Criteria (1) and (2) are straightforward enough. But a word on criteria (3). How do you ‘do real work’ in your reflections? Well, it will depend a bit on the reflection, since the reflections differ significantly. But there are several general strategies you can follow. Here are just a couple ideas: you could disagree with a point an author makes in one of the assigned readings, and explain why you disagree. Alternatively, you could agree with a point one of the authors makes, and explain why you think the point is a good one. You could introduce an illustration (from your life, from a TV show/movie/novel/etc.) that sheds light on the reflection topic and your response to it. You could draw parallels between the question and a topic you are covering in another class. Really, there are many ways you can meet criteria (3). We are not looking for one thing here. We are rather looking for you to bring your own perspective to the discussion.

Rubric

After Joe has read your reflection papers, he will assign them a point value based on the following grading scale:

  • 19-20 points: the reflection exceeds the expectations described in criteria (1-3)

  • 17-18 points: the reflection meets criteria (1-3)

  • 15-16: the reflection meets criteria (1-3), but less successfully than reflections in the 17-18 point range.

  • 13-14 pts: the reflection fails to meet one or more of criteria (1-3)

  • 12 points and below: the reflection fails to meet the basic requirements of the assignment