A

Excellent. On examinations and papers, an "A" means that the student has shown a superior grasp of course materials, and written an essay or paper that excels in organization, integration, and expression. Very often the "A" level exam or paper also shows significant insight or creative thinking about the topic being covered.
     An "A" for the course means that the student has done exceptional work in ALL areas that are evaluated: exams, quizzes, papers, attendance, and participation.

B

Very good. On examinations, a "B" is assigned to an essay that shows an above-average grasp of course materials, as well as good organization, integration and expression.
     A "B" for a paper means that in all respects the paper meets the minimal standards for good college-level writing: a clear thesis, good development of the thesis, and writing that meets acceptable standards of grammar, spelling, and style.
     A "B" for the course means that the student has done better-than-average work in all areas that are evaluated; or outstanding work in some areas but not in others.

C

Good. "C" level essays on examinations show an adequate grasp of course materials but are deficient in terms of organization, expression, and/or integration. Included here are essays that "regurgitate" materials that were covered in class, but do not put them together in a way that answers the question directly or fully. Also included are essays that make one or more significant errors or omissions of fact or detail, although they grasp the basic point of the question.
     A "C" for a paper means that in some, but not all respects the paper meets the minimal standards for good college-level writing: a clear thesis, good development of the thesis, and writing that meets acceptable standards of grammar, spelling, and style. Deficiency in any one of these areas will result in a "C" level grade.
     A "C" for the course is the minimum grade of which every student should be capable. It means that the student has done adequate work overall.

D

Marginal. "D" level essays on examinations show a barely acceptable grasp of course materials and are poorly organized and expressed, lacking any real integration. These essays do not show an understanding of the basic point of the question, and/or make several major errors of fact or detail in their presentation of course materials.
     "D" level papers are seriously deficient in more than one of the areas that define good college writing: clear thesis; good organization; proper grammar, spelling, and style.
     A "D" for the course means that the student has done barely adequate work in most or all areas of course evaluation. Students who get Ds and Fs often have major problems with class attendance and the completion of assignments.

F

Failing. An examination or paper receives an "F" grade when it is not even barely adequate, or when it is shown to be the product of cheating or plagiarism.
     An "F" for the course means that the student's performance was inadequate in most or all areas of course evaluation. It is also possible to fail the course because of excessive absences. This would result in receiving a "U" grade for the course.