Distinguished - Comprehensively explains genre theory, and thoroughly describes the common conventions of the genre selected, fully using Chapter 3 of the text as a reference.

Proficient - Explains genre theory, and describes the common conventions of the genre selected, using Chapter 3 of the text as a reference. Minor details are missing, or the explanation is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Minimally explains genre theory, and partially describes the common conventions of the genre selected, somewhat using Chapter 3 of the text as a reference. Relevant details are missing, and/or the explanation is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Attempts to explain genre theory and describe the common conventions of the genre selected; however, may not use Chapter 3 of the text as a reference, significant details are missing, and the explanation is significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The explanation of genre theory and description of the common conventions of the genre selected, using Chapter 3 of the text as a reference are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Clearly and accurately identifies a feature-length film that fits the genre, and thoroughly summarizes the movie.

Proficient - Identifies a feature-length film that fits the genre and summarizes the movie. Minor details are missing, slightly unclear, or inaccurate.

Basic - Vaguely identifies a feature-length film that fits the genre, and partially summarizes the movie. Relevant details are missing, unclear, and/or inaccurate.

Below Expectations - Attempts to identify a feature-length film that fits the genre and summarize the movie; however, significant details are missing, entirely unclear, and inaccurate.

Non-Performance - The identification of a feature-length film that fits the genre and summary of the movie are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Thoroughly and clearly interprets at least two genre conventions exhibited in the chosen film that help classify the genre, including a detailed and accurate example of each convention.

Proficient - Interprets at least two genre conventions exhibited in the chosen film that help classify the genre, including an example of each convention. Minor details are missing, slightly unclear, or inaccurate.

Basic - Partially interprets one or two genre conventions exhibited in the chosen film that help classify the genre, including a vague example of each convention. Relevant details are missing, unclear, and/or inaccurate.

Below Expectations - Attempts to interpret at least two genre conventions exhibited in the chosen film that help classify the genre; however, does not include an example of each convention, and/or significant details are missing, unclear, and inaccurate.

Non-Performance - The interpretation of at least two genre conventions exhibited in the chosen film that help classify the genre, including an example of each convention is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Provides a clear example of a third convention from the chosen film, and comprehensively explains how it expands the boundaries of the genre.

Proficient - Provides an example of a third convention from the chosen film, and explains how it expands the boundaries of the genre. Minor details slightly unclear or the explanation is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Provides a partial example of a third convention from the chosen film, and minimally explains how it expands the boundaries of the genre. Relevant details are unclear and/or the explanation is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Attempts to provide an example of a third convention from the chosen film and explain how it expands the boundaries of the genre; however, significant details are unclear, and the explanation is underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The example of a third convention from the chosen film and explanation of how it expands the boundaries of the genre are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - The paper is logically organized with a well-written introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion.

Proficient - The paper is logically organized with an introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion. One of these requires improvement.

Basic - The paper is organized with an introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion. The introduction, thesis statement, and/or conclusion require improvement.

Below Expectations - The paper is loosely organized with an introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion. The introduction, thesis statement, and/or conclusion require much improvement.

Non-Performance - The introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Displays meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains no errors and is very easy to understand.

Proficient - Displays comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains only a few minor errors and is mostly easy to understand.

Basic - Displays basic comprehension of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains a few errors which may slightly distract the reader.

Below Expectations - Fails to display basic comprehension of syntax or mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains major errors which distract the reader.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Accurately uses APA formatting consistently throughout the paper, title page, and reference page.

Proficient - Exhibits APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout contains a few minor errors. 

Basic - Exhibits limited knowledge of APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout does not meet all APA requirements. 

Below Expectations - Fails to exhibit basic knowledge of APA formatting. There are frequent errors, making the layout difficult to distinguish as APA.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Uses more than the required number of scholarly sources, providing compelling evidence to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.

Proficient - Uses the required number of scholarly sources to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.

Basic - Uses less than the required number of sources to support ideas. Some sources may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are used within the body of the assignment. Citations may not be formatted correctly.

Below Expectations - Uses an inadequate number of sources that provide little or no support for ideas. Sources used may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are not used within the body of the assignment. Citations are not formatted correctly.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.