Marking Criteria in the School of Philosphical and Historical Inquiry

In assessing written work, teachers in the Department look for demonstrated effort, abilities and skills in the following areas. Note that individual units are likely to have additional and more specific requirements and criteria. These should be made clear to students by the teachers in each unit.

Content

• extent of reading
• accuracy of knowledge
• breadth and depth of knowledge
• relevance of information
• sufficiency of evidence and documentation

Understanding

• understanding of problem or project
• judgement of significance of material
• awareness/understanding of different arguments in reading
• recognition of implications of evidence
• familiarity with/use of historical concepts (ability to 'think historically')
• ability to think critically
• grasp of relevant theory
• understanding of ethics and values relevant to reading and subject matter.

Independence

• judgement and initiative in reading and research
• originality in use and interpretation of evidence
• development of argument
• independence in use of concepts and language

Grade Distribution

• correctness of grammar and scholarly documentation
• organisation and presentation of material
• clarity of writing style
• originality and creativity of writing style