Dr Jack's Grading Rationale
for Dr Jack's Classes ©2004

Introduction to Sociology
Advanced Classes; Problems, Inequalities, etc..
Introduction to Sociology is a fundamental and identifying course. As such, complicated analytical arguments requiring written discussion are not appropriate. All exams (with the exception of the term paper) are True/False. There are approximately 30 items in each exam and four (4) exams are given over the course of the semester with the average of the best three (3) T/F exams and term paper as the final grade. Each item is stated as clearly as possible with the codicil the student may ask (during the exam) for clarification of an item - providing the response from Dr Jack would not give the answer away. Results are machine scored and grades are assigned according to percentages stated in the syllabus. Before this occurs, an item analysis is conducted and each item has a percentage assigned in regard as to how many students missed that item. Percentages c. 50% for an item are regarded as chance, however when this is around 70% or over, then a problem is seen in the item. It could be that the item was not accurately stated, the lecture material was vague or Dr Jack just created a "bad" question. Whatever the case, the item then may be thrown out and all students are given credit for the item. Simultaneously the total percentages for the exam are based on one less (or more) items. Because of this process, a bright student has a chance to score higher than 100%! This has never happened, but some have come very close. Final grades are calculated on the "12-point system", i.e., an "A+" is a "12", an "A" is an 11 and so forth with 94% the lowest "A", 80% the lowest "B", 70% the lowest "C" and 60% the lowest "D".  Generally, in terms assigning grades to the actual exam results, there is only one lowest grade in each of the four categories. Sometimes, depending on the span of the category, there may be more than one in the highest of each grade. z.B., the scale could have two "A+"s, two "B+"s, etc.
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 		 Advanced classes are generally oriented to critical thinking, i.e., it is assumed that the student knows the fundamentals of the discipline and is prepared to go on to more analytical areas. All exams in such classes are term papers with the paper's question being either stated on the day of the exam or (more commonly) the student is informed ahead of time concerning the topic of written discussion. (The form of the paper is clearly stated in The Survival Manual.) Grading from "A" to "F" follows a standard rubric:

"A" Level:
The discussion is strongly organized and convincing in its persuasion and supporting evidence. In addition, the discussion examines the issues from all sides, has a clear understanding of the relationships and may counter-argue itself.

"B" Level:
The arguments are well-defined, organized, discusses the various points of contention and indicates knowledge of the relationships betwixt them.

"C" Level:
The argument for the paper is possible, has some evidence from several sources and looks at several aspects of the paper's contention. Some attention to The Survival Manual.

"D" Level:
Has a position, but is supported by too much opinion. Is logical, but no real evidence. Paper uses generalities with limited aspects of the issue being discussed. Evidence Survival Manual "never evers" were not taken seriously.

"F" Level:
Vague, short, too much unsubstantiated opinion, wanders and issues are simply not clear. No evidence ever heard or saw The Survival Manual.

See RUBRIC for Issues in Law and Society grading rationale.