PROMPT

In class we discussed James Rachels critique of Cultural Relativism. Do you find his criticisms persuasive? Why or why not?

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Response paper should be submitted by using the submission link at the top of the page. Please attach as a Microsoft Word attachment. Do not attach in any alternative formats, PDF, RFT, etc.
Save your paper with your name name in the title, for example, “Smith.Response Paper”.

EVALUATION GUIDELINES

Evaluation guidelines are stated on the Paper Rubric, located below.

Rubric
Response Paper RubricResponse Paper RubricCriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThesis StatementStudent must provide a thesis statement that: (a) states positing that will be defended, (b) provides a brief overview as to how it will be defended.
5 to >4.0 pts  Excellent   Student provides thesis statement that provides reader a clear sense of what the paper will defend, and how it will be defended. 
4 to >3.0 pts  Good   Student provides thesis statement that provides reader a clear sense of what the paper will defend, but lacks some details concerning how it will be defended.
3 to >0.0 pts  Fair     Student provides thesis statement, but it lacks specificity/is vague and fails to provide reader with clear direction of the papers purpose.
0 pts  Poor   Student provides no thesis statement.
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Engagement With Readings and LecturesStudent is graded on:
(1) level of detail
(2) level of accuracy.
30 to >28.0 pts   Excellent    Student engages with readings/lectures at a significant level of detail and contains no errors. 
28 to >25.5 pts   Good     Student engages with readings/lectures at a suitable level of detail and is free of major errors.25.5 to >21.0 ptsFairStudent engages with readings/lectures some but (a) lacks sufficient detail, or (b) contains notable errors.21 to >0 ptsPoorStudent: (a) fails to engage with reading/lectures, (b) engagement is very superficial, or (c) engagement contains significant errors.30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeArgumentationThe student’s paper must defend a position. The plausibility and cogency of argument with be graded.20 to >19.0 ptsExcellentThe student makes a strong argument, for a clearly defined position, considers potential objections carefully, and has no obvious unargued assumptions/premises.19 to >16.0 ptsGoodThe student makes a reasonable argument, for a clearly defined position. Their argument may contain some weaknesses or unargued assumptions/premises.16 to >14.0 ptsFairThe student makes an attempt to offer argumentation for a position, but (a) their position is not clearly defined, or (b) their argument lacks persuasive force.14 to >0 ptsPoorThe student: (a) makes no argument, or (b) establishes no clear position to be defended, (c) argument lacks any persuasive force.20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization20 to >19.0 ptsExcellentThe students paper has a clear organization, and adheres exactly to the required outline19 to >16.0 ptsGoodThe students paper has a clear organization and mostly adheres to the required organization.16 to >14.0 ptsFairThe students paper has a discernable organization and somewhat adheres to the required outline.14 to >0 ptsPoorThe students paper is highly disorganized/does not follow the required outline.20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting Style20 to >19.0 ptsExcellentThe students writing displays a high level of sophistication, appropriate word use, and no awkward constructions.19 to >16.0 ptsGoodThe students writing displays an appropriate (college) level of sophistication, but may contain some awkward or vague constructions.16 to >14.0 ptsFairThe students writing displays average level of sophistication and some awkward/vague/obscure constructions.14 to >0 ptsPoorThe students writing lacks sophistication, or contains numerous awkward constructions.20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGrammar5 to >4.0 ptsExcellentStudents paper contains no grammatical errors.4 to >3.0 ptsGoodStudents paper contains few grammatical errors.3 to >2.0 ptsFairThe students paper contains notable grammatical errors.2 to >0 ptsPoorThe students paper contains significant grammatical errors5 pts