BA (Hons) Courses HE Level 3
No 3: Generic Assessment Criteria: Essay – HE 3 SMAC = Specific Module Assessment Criteria You will find below the kinds of areas that your tutors will be considering when assessing your written work. Remember, though, that your tutors will be looking at your piece of work as a whole when determining the final mark. They will be happy to discuss their assessment with you and show you how to maximise your strengths and firm up on your weaker points. Each section below is split into two parts, the first indicates the general criteria used within BA (Hons), the second indicates the specific criteria (otherwise known as SMAC). The additions will be used when relevant (if a specific box is blank then refer to the generic). Criteria may also be changed or added, weighting may also be changed. Subject Knowledge & Understanding Weighting 86 -100% Upper First
30% 2630
Has demonstrated outstanding knowledge and understanding of the subject through identification and discussion of key areas through wide reading. Significant up-to-date sources have been explored analytically. Conceptual understanding is highly developed. Shows deep insight. Mature, very original and imaginative, exceeding normal expectations of undergraduate work.
Intellectual skills- including analysis, evaluation and critical judgement 30% 2630
Has demonstrated a very high level of critical appraisal and judgement in analysis, evaluation and synthesis of data and abstractions. Has employed a wide range of techniques of analysis including differentiation and discrimination. Has shown a very high level of awareness of limitations and contradictions.
Subject specific skills- including applications and problem solving 25% 2125
Has demonstrated an ability to diagnose and creatively apply appropriate and selective innovative conceptual knowledge to a practical or theoretical problem/situation in order to produce valid, creative/original solutions which are logical, meaningful and effective. Has shown evidence of critically evaluating the existing view of the subject. Exemplary problem solving skills evident.
Transferable skills- including communication and presentation. 15% 1315
Written communication is clear, concise and formally academic. It is also presented in correct essay format with an excellent introduction and conclusion. Presentation, spelling and grammar are excellent. Extensively and accurately referenced throughout, and quotations/citations used are carefully selected; supported by a detailed list of references identifying all sources (on separate pages). Shows extensive use of refereed secondary sources. The flow is analytical and is well planned in the analysis of the topic. Articulate communication. Able to present a tightly structured, rigorous argument showing flow and progression, likely to be highly stimulating, and at the limits of what may be expected at undergraduate level. While a bibliography may be included it is no indicator of research undertaken within this assignment, so will not be attributed marks.
SMAC
70 – 85% First
2125
Define outstanding, up-to-date and highly developed. Refer to the creativity stage in the revised Bloom’s taxonomy by Anderson and Krathwohl (2001). Clarify what a wide range of sources are e.g. 20 or above refereed sources. Has demonstrated outstanding knowledge and understanding of the subject through identification and discussion of key areas through wide reading. Significant up-to-date sources have been explored analytically. Conceptual understanding is highly developed.
Refer to the creativity stage in the revised Bloom’s taxonomy by Anderson and Krathwohl (2001).
2125
Becca Walker / Jeannie Alderdice / H Drive / BA degree / 01.06.09
Has demonstrated a high level of critical appraisal and judgement in analysis, evaluation and synthesis of data and abstractions. Has employed a wide range of techniques of analysis. Has shown a high level of awareness of limitations and contradictions. Cogently argued/reasoned using a well selected, collated and presented body
1820
Has demonstrated an ability to diagnose and apply appropriate and selective conceptual knowledge to a practical or theoretical problem/situation in order to produce valid, creative/original solutions which are logical, meaningful and effective.
1112
Formal academic writing style and presented in correct essay format. Excellent presentation, spelling and grammar. Careful choice of referenced material. Excellent structure, introduction and conclusion. Extensively and accurately referenced throughout, and quotations/citations used are carefully selected; supported by a detailed list of references identifying all sources (on separate pages). Shows extensive use of refereed secondary sources.