Paper Review Day

Bring two copies of your completed paper to class and be prepared to review your colleagues’ papers using the criteria below.

1. Does the paper meet the minimum standards of the assignment?
2. Comment on syntax, grammar, word choice, general comprehensibility.
3. Does the paper have a clear and compelling statement of what it hopes to accomplish?
4. Does the paper achieve what it sets out to accomplish? How could it do a better job?
5. Are there redundant words, paragraphs, or concepts that could be eliminated?
6. How does the paper “flow,” i.e. are the paragraphs sensible, do they segue one to the next in a way that seems graceful, coherent and logically satisfying?

***And most importantly…

7. How does the author put the course material to work in making her argument? Does the author appear to have read (and understood!) the two ethnographies? What sorts of theoretical materials does the author bring to bear in the argument? Are there obvious lacunae? Are the materials dealt with substantively or merely listed? Does the author uncover unusual or creative readings of the course material?

Once you have commented on a paper, turn to the back of the final page and write your name clearly next to the grade you would give the paper. Grade it as if it were a final draft. You may write additional comments here as to why you assigned the grade you did. Remember:

A = Excellent, substantially above average. Papers in this category make you think about the material in a way that you had not before. They exhibit uncommon depth, an obvious command of the course material, an original thesis, and elegant argumentation.

B = Above average. Papers in this category go beyond the obvious connections amongst the course material. They are well-written and rigorous and show that the student both understood the relevant course material, and can employ it in novel ways.

C = Average. Papers in this category sketch the obvious connections and show that the student has been paying attention in class and can coherently regurgitate what has been presented.

D = Below average. Papers in this category do not show total command of the material, are lacking in style, substance or logical coherence.

F = Does not meet the minimum standards. Insufficient evidence of reading and / or comprehension, too short, significantly too long, disorganized, ungraceful, unintelligent, hurriedly composed.

When you are finished, place the paper in the stack at the front of the room, and take a second paper. You should be able to comment substantively on a minimum of two papers during the class time.