Marking Criteria

Course information 

Grading criteria 

In general terms, the following criteria are used when assessing the written assignment:

Scope and quality of research

• Evidence of sufficient independent research to adequately address relevant issues for the assigned topic
• Use of appropriate sources for topic
• Awareness of any relevant issues arising from class readings

Construction of arguments

• Logical flow of proposition(s) and evidence
• Integration of concepts and evidence
• Consideration of contrary positions

Analysis/critical thinking

• Understanding of relevant concepts, through proper analysis of primary and secondary material
• Reflection:
  • essay engages with the material
  • essay demonstrates independent thought
• Conclusions are drawn, which follow from the analysis

Structure

• Clear introduction, body-, and conclusion
• Clarity of scope/delineation of scope of essay

Style

• Use of own words and terminology as appropriate
• Grammar, sentence construction, paragraph structure etc.
• Appropriate tone/voice ¨C minimal verbosity

Format requirements

The default style requirements for essay style assessments in the Law School are included in the specific forms:

• Assignments are typed and submitted electronically.
• Assignments should be properly and adequately referenced.
• Assignments should include both footnotes and bibliography. Failure to appropriately reference sources may amount to plagiarism and will be sanctioned.
• Word limit for assignments is calculated by reference to all text in the assignment. This usually excludes the table of contents and the bibliography. The student must usually record the actual word count on the assignment cover sheet.

In general terms, the following criteria are used when assessing the Oral debate:

Substance of the presentation

• Understanding of the topic area
• Central argument is clear and other related arguments well-constructed
• Legal, ethical and other concepts are articulated clearly
• Alternative perspectives are recognised and considered 
• Presentation does not indicate confusion over underlying principles and concepts

Structure of presentation

• Introduction and conclusion are clear
• Topic is clearly defined, and trajectory of argument is set out from the beginning
• Presentation is delivered within the allotted time frame

Oratorical skills

• Verbal skill/style:
  • Clarity ¨C speaking in a way that the audience can follow and understand
  • Use of appropriate style and language for audience and topic ¨C eg any humour used is not offensive, and does not detract from the persuasiveness of the presentation; language is not overly colloquial, etc.
• Non-verbal skill/style
  • Presenter projects interest and engagement in the topic he/she is presenting

Q&A session

• Discussion generated
• Questions encouraged
• Attempts to answer relevant questions

General qualitative description of valuation criteria

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail.

The assignment must be an overall good perfomance in most areas to recive a passing grade.