Department of Classics Grading Procedures and Standards for Undergraduates

Classics Department Standards for Essays, Papers, and Independent Work

A+ Awarded for work that would be exceptional even for a more advanced student. Thus an A+ paper from a senior should show the sophistication of argument and depth of knowledge that would earn an A for a graduate student. An A+ can only be granted on any assignment by the professor in charge of the course.

A Awarded for exceptional work. An A paper should advance an argument that is original, in the sense that it goes beyond interpretations available to the student, and persuasive and should demonstrate a broad knowledge of the material. In order to award an A, the instructor ought to have learned something from the paper.

A- Awarded to papers that excel in two of the three criteria required for an A (originality, persuasiveness, range of knowledge) or for A quality work hampered by unclear or ineffective writing

B+ Awarded to a paper that would otherwise receive a B but contains some observations of A quality or shows an exceptional command of the material.

B The grade of B indicates that a paper has fully satisfied the expectations of the instructor. It is awarded to papers that have a clear argument and show a good knowledge of the material and received interpretations.

B- Awarded to papers that fall just short of the level of a B in the knowledge they demonstrate or in their understanding of the evidence presented. Also given to papers of B quality that lack a clear argument, are padded with irrelevancies, or are poorly written.

C+ Awarded to papers of C quality distinguished by occasional original insights of greater sophistication or evidence of greater depth of knowledge.

C An acceptable knowledge of the material is required for a C paper, but the writer does not achieve the standard of a B either in understanding its significance or in formulating an argument.

C- Awarded to papers that, in addition to poor argumentation and misunderstandings, show significant gaps in relevant knowledge.

D Awarded to papers that do not display an adequate command of the material but demonstrate effort to fulfill the goals of the assignment.

F Can only be given by the professor in charge of the course and signifies the opinion that no reasonable attempt has been made to meet the goals of the assignment.