BUAD 3367 Business & Accounting Ethics

BUAD 3367 Fall 2016 Syllabus

Dr. Ken Fairweather • Associate Professor of Marketing Office: 903.923.2150 • Cell: 903.918.5820 • [email protected] Meets MWF 11:00 AM-11:50 AM • FHSB103

Course Description

The integration of ethical reasoning, objectivity, independence and other business core values are studied. Students will study the critical analysis of ethical lapses which have occurred in business and the accounting profession by exploring ways to integrate ethical behavior into professional life. The course will include an overview of ethics from a philosophical viewpoint in addition to the specific discussion of codes of conduct, SEC requirements, and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Course Outcomes

Following Bloom’s taxonomy, students should accomplish the following outcomes: 1. Knowledge: Identify the basic business ethics vocabulary and concepts.  Assessment: Reading Discussions, Quizzes, and Unit Exams. 2. Analysis: Analyze Case Studies to determine positive solutions.  Assessment: Perform analysis on case studies and Unit Exams. 3. Synthesis: Combine business ethics concepts learned in the course.  Assessment: Perform research and analysis of business ethics practices.

Basis for Performance Appraisal

Personal Introduction 20 points Participation 50 points Chapter Questions (12 x 15) 180 points Quizzes (5 x 10) 50 points Mid-Term Unit Exam 150 points Final Exam 150 points Research Project 150 points BMKT-4513-MARKETING MANAGEMENT

Golf’s Sacred Journey Reflection Paper 150 points Case Study 100 points TOTAL 1,000 points

Grading Scale A = 90% B = 80% C = 70% D = 60% F = Below 60%

Textbooks

Des Jardins, Joseph. (2014). An Introduction to Business Ethics, 5th edition. McGraw-Hill: New York. ISBN: 978-0-07-803832-7

Cook, David. (2007). Golf’s Sacred Journey: Seven Days at the Links of Utopia. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. ISBN. 978-0-31-0310885-9

Style Requirements 1. 1. ALL assignments, unless otherwise specified, must be submitted following APA style. 2. ALL assignments need to include a Cover Sheet. (Template provided in Blackboard.) 3. These should be done as ONE document, including page numbers beginning with Page 2 on the second page of your paper (No page # on the cover sheet or Page 1.) 4. Use Times New Roman 12 point type and where appropriate, use headings. . 5. Written assignments need use “in-text” citations to “map back” the information to the Author, Publication Date, and Page. (See APA writing style information.) 6. Web-based APA Guidelines: http://www.apastyle.org/elecref.html http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_apa.html

Classroom Policies 1. Students are expected to attend all scheduled class meetings, complete reading assignments prior to class, and complete assignments by the assigned due dates. 2. Assignments will be accepted ONLY on or before the day they are due. To avoid problems with technology or personal problems, don’t wait until the last hour they are due. 3. Students are expected to be ready to start class on time. 4. No bathroom breaks are permitted during class. 5. No phone calls are permitted during class.

Course Syllabus - 2 BUAD 3367 – Business & Accounting Ethics

6. No electronic devices will be allowed during class (laptops, tablets, phones, etc.) 7. Should either #4, #5, or #6 occur, your participation grade will be deducted accordingly. 8. No food is allowed in the classroom. Drinks must have a sealable cap or top. 9. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a way that contributes to a positive learning environment. Common examples may include sleeping in class, excessive talking, studying for other classes or using cell phones or computers for non-class related activities. Should this happen, your participation grade will be deducted accordingly 10. Students are expected to dress appropriately. The emphasis is on being “neat,” rather than being “sloppy.” “Business Dress” is required for presentations.

Students with Disabilities A student with a disability may request appropriate accommodations for this course by contacting the Office of Academic Success and Graduate Services, Marshall Hall, Room 301, and providing the required documentation. If accommodations are approved by the Disability Accommodations Committee, the Office of Academic Success and Graduate Services will notify you and your professor of the approved accommodations. You must then discuss these accommodations with your professor.

Attendance Policy Class Roll: Class roll is required to be taken. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure they are registered.

Mandatory attendance: “East Texas Baptist University is committed to the policy that regular and punctual attendance is essential to successful scholastic achievement. Attendance at all meetings of the course for which a student is registered is expected. To be eligible to earn credit in a course, the student must attend at least 75 percent of all class meetings.”

1. Absences begin with the first meeting of a class, and students registering late incur absences from the first class meeting of the semester. 2. Students are responsible for all material covered in class meetings and are expected to meet all class requirements for the course. 3. Students who accumulate university-approved absences (athletic teams, musical organizations, other authorized groups) will be allowed to make up work missed as a result of that activity provided that:

Course Syllabus - 3 BMKT-4513-MARKETING MANAGEMENT

A. The activity was properly scheduled; B. The absence was authorized in advance; and C. Arrangements were made with their instructors prior to the absence.

Such absences are, nonetheless, counted as classes missed.

4. The opportunity to make up work missed as a result of absences other than those identified in Item 3 above may be granted only when the instructor involved grants that privilege. Such absences should be documented by the student to the fullest extent possible. 5. Due to the nature of the content of some courses and some programs of study, more stringent attendance requirements may be required. Students should carefully follow all requirements contained in the course syllabi.

Excused absences: An excused absence is still an absence where conveyed knowledge was lost and will count towards total absences. When a student has exceeded the absence limit for a class due to circumstances beyond his or her control, the student may appeal in writing. The appeal must follow the process detailed in the ‘Grade Appeals Process’ in this catalog. No appeal will be heard after six weeks from the date the student is officially notified that the absence limit has been exceeded. If a resident student is not attending classes he/she may be required to move out of the residence hall.” (Academic Catalog, 2015-2016, pp.24-25)

Arriving Late and/or Leaving Early: If you should have to leave at any point in the class period, please take ALL personal belongings with you and do not return to class. This will result in your receiving an unexcused absence for that day. Any exceptions must be authorized by Student Affairs prior to the class time.

Scholastic Honesty and Academic Integrity

“Students enrolled at East Texas Baptist University are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity avoiding all forms of cheating, illicit possession of examinations or examination materials, unwarranted access to instructor’s solutions’ manuals, plagiarism, forgery, collusion and submissions of the same assignment to multiple courses. Penalties that may be applied by the faculty member to individual cases of academic dishonesty by a student Include one or more of the following:

• Failure of the class in question • Failure of particular assignments • Requirement to redo the work in question • Requirement to submit additional work

All incidents related to violations of academic integrity are required to be reported to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and multiple violations of academic integrity will result in further disciplinary measures which could lead to dismissal from the University.“ (Academic Catalog 2015-2016, p.22)

In addition to the ETBU Policy and Guide Book, one of the responsibilities of business professionals is to be ethical. Business students are often expected to work together, so I do expect some overlap of work. However I do expect each student to submit his or her own work that is uniquely theirs. Complete academic freedom can exist only within a framework of complete academic integrity.

Participation

Participation includes, but is not limited to responding to questions from the professor but includes the process of listening, taking notes, and such. So please come prepared to take notes of any and all materials presented in class. (See “Classroom Policies” section above.)

Important Dates

August 23 Last day to withdraw to receive 100% refund August 30 Last day to withdraw to receive 85% refund September 2 Last day to withdraw to receive 60% refund September 2 Convocation (Chapel} September 5 Labor Day – No Classes September 9 Last day to withdraw to receive 45% refund September 16 Last day to withdraw to receive 25% refund October 6-7 Fall Break – No Classes October 21-23 Homecoming November 11 Last day to drop a class or withdraw November 23-25 Thanksgiving Holiday – No Classes December 10 Fall Commencement 10:00 AM

Week #1 • August 22 - 26, 2016 • ASSIGNMENTS

Monday, August 22

Introduction: Acquaint yourself with the textbooks, syllabus, and other instructional materials on Blackboard.

Wednesday, August 24

Research three succinct definitions of “Business Ethics.” Course Syllabus - 5 BMKT-4513-MARKETING MANAGEMENT

Submit these to Blackboard/Assignments.

Prepare a “Personal Introduction” and upload as one document to Blackboard by class time with following contents:

1. Cover Page using the template provided in Blackboard. 2. Portrait photo of yourself with your face clearly visible. 3. Your Name/Preferred Name/Cell Phone/Email 4. Major/Concentration/Minor/Advisor 5. Grade Level (Freshman, etc.) and Expected Graduation Date 6. What electronic tools do you use? (Smart Phone/Tablet/Other) 7. Do you use Excel? Photoshop? 8. What social media do you use? (Facebook/Twitter/LinkedIn/Other) 9. Are you familiar with APA formatting? 10. Anything else you would like to share?

Friday, August 26

Lecture on Holiness, Justice, and Love of God.

End of Class Quiz

Week #2 • August 29 - September 2, 2016 • ASSIGNMENTS

Monday, August 29

Read Chapter 1, An Introduction to Business Ethics, Pages 1-19.

Prepare answers to Chapter 1 Review Questions, Page 19. Submit these through Blackboard/Assignments before class time.

Wednesday, August 31 Course Syllabus - 6 BUAD 3367 – Business & Accounting Ethics

Prepare answers to the Discussion Case: The “LIBOR Scandal,” Pages 3-4. Submit these through Blackboard/Assignments before class time.

Friday, September 2

Be ready to discuss Chapter 1.

NOTE: Please look ahead to the assignment for September 16 describing the “Reflection Paper” on the book, Golf’s Sacred Journey: Seven Days at the Links of Utopia.

Week #3 • September 5 - September 9, 2016 • ASSIGNMENTS

Monday, September 5

Prepare answers to Chapter 2 Review Questions, Page 46. Submit these through Blackboard/Assignments before class time

Wednesday, September 7

Prepare answers to the Discussion Case: “AIG,” Pages 21-23. Submit these through Blackboard/Assignments before class time.

Friday, September 9

Monday, September 12

Prepare answers to the Discussion Case: “Wal-Mart,” Pages 3-4. Submit these through Blackboard/Assignments before class time.

Friday, September 16

Prepare a “Reflection Paper” on the book Golf’s Sacred Journey: Seven Days at the Links of Utopia. Do this in 11 parts, addressing each chapter with the reflection of what the chapter meant to you, something that was new to you, or something that made you think about ethics in a new way.

This should be done in APA style and uploaded into “Blackboard/ Assignments.” These are due by class time.

Prepare answers to Chapter 4 Review Questions, Pages 94-95. Submit these through Blackboard/Assignments before class time

Prepare answers to the Discussion Case: “Goldman Sach’s” Page 80. Submit these through Blackboard/Assignments before class time.

Week #6 September 26 - September 30, 2016 ASSIGNMENTS

Prepare answers to the Discussion Case: “Social Enterprises,” Page 98. Submit these through Blackboard/Assignments before class time.

Write a paper (3 pages plus cover page) and PowerPoint (6 slides) for a Case Study. Submit this through Blackboard/Assignments before class time. Include answers to questions at the end of the case. You must use the following 4 point outline, including headings in your papers. Only 25-30% of each slide used for text and the rest of the slide using graphics. The first slide should identify the case title and your name.

1. FACTS OR BACKGROUND List major facts that are pertinent to your analysis.

2. ETHICAL PROBLEM (S) Identify the situation or set of situations that most concern the subject matter relative to business ethics. Demonstrate that you recognize the many diverse aspects of the case and have particularly identified the relevant ethical concerns.

3. SOLUTIONS & PLAN FOR ACTION List several alternative courses of action to solve the major problems. Choose the most plausible alternative course of action, amplify it and make a detailed plan to be implemented. Name specific details: people, places, dates, amounts, etc.

4. RESULTS Describe the anticipated results from implementing your recommendations.

Week #7 • October 3 – October 7, 2016 • ASSIGNMENTS

Monday, October 3

Prepare answers to Chapter 6 Review Questions, Page 143-144. Submit these through Blackboard/Assignments before class time

Wednesday, October 5

Prepare answers to the Discussion Case: “Electronic Privacy at Work,” Pages 120-121. Submit these through Blackboard/Assignments before class time.

Friday, October 7

Fall Break (October 6-7)

Monday, October 10

Prepare answers to Chapter 7 Review Questions, Page 172-173. Submit these through Blackboard/Assignments before class time.

Prepare answers to the Discussion Case: “Conflict of Interests,” Pages 146- 151. Submit these through Blackboard/Assignments before class time.

Friday, October 14

Mid-Term Exam • Chapters 1-7 of An Introduction to Business Ethics and other materials used in the class.

NOTE: Please look ahead to the assignment for October 28 describing the Research Paper and the options.

Monday, October 17

Prepare answers to Chapter 8 Review Questions, Page 192-193. Submit these through Blackboard/Assignments before class time.

Prepare answers to the Discussion Case: “Life-Cycle,” Pages 175-176. Submit these through Blackboard/Assignments before class time.

Friday, October 21

Monday, October 24

Prepare answers to the Discussion Case: “Predatory Lending,” Pages 195- 197. Submit these through Blackboard/Assignments before class time.

Friday, October 28

Prepare a Research Paper on one of the topics below, depending on your business major:

Accounting Majors: Each student will research the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and provide a survey of why the act was instituted and what it attempts to resolve. Then the student should focus on some critical element and describe the process of applying the act and how this has impacted the accounting/business world in the past 10-15 years.

All Other Majors: Each student will research an example of how an ethical issue has been observed in the business world and how this was addressed, resolved, and how this has impacted the business world.

These research papers should include at least 3 peer-reviewed business journals, 2 published books, and 3 business industry magazines. They should be done in APA style and uploaded into “Blackboard/ Assignments.” These are due by class time.

. Week #11 • October 31 – November 4, 2016 • ASSIGNMENTS

Monday, October 31

Prepare answers to Chapter 10 Review Questions, Page 233 Submit these through Blackboard/Assignments before class time.

Wednesday, November 2

Prepare answers to the Discussion Case: “Sustainable Business,” Pages 217-219. Submit these through Blackboard/Assignments before class time.

Friday, November 4

Week #12 • November 7 – November 11, 2016 • Assignments

Monday, November 7

Prepare answers to the Discussion Case: “Chick-fil-A,” Pages 235-237. Submit these through Blackboard/Assignments before class time.

Friday, November 11

Week #13 • November 14 – November 18, 2016 • ASSIGNMENTS

Monday, November 14

Prepare answers to the Discussion Case: “Business in a Global Setting,” Pages 262-264. Submit these through Blackboard/Assignments before class time.

Week #14 • November 21 – November 25, 2016 • ASSIGNMENTS

Monday, November 21

Read Special Article provided by instructor.

Prepare answers to Questions in article.

Thanksgiving Break (November 23-25)

Friday, November 25

Thanksgiving Break (November 23-25)

Week #15 • November 28 – December 2, 2016 • ASSIGNMENTS

Monday, November 28

Prepare answers to the Discussion Case: The “LIBdal,” Pages 3-4. Submit these through Blackboard/Assignments before class time.

Read Special Article provided by instructor. Prepare answers to Questions in article.

Friday, December 2

Review for Final Exam.

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Week #16 December 5 – December 8, 2016

FINAL EXAM WEEK

Final Exam: Chapters 8-12 of An Introduction to Business Ethics and other materials used in the class.

Monday, December 5, 2016 10:30 M – 12:20 PM

Cover Sheet

BUAD 3367.01●Business & Accounting Ethics

Submitted to: Dr. Ken Fairweather Associate Professor of Marketing

Title of Assignment: Name of Assignment

Submitted by: Student’s Name

Date Due: Month, Day, 2016

Date of Submission: Month, Day, 2016

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORSHIP:

I certify that I am the author of this paper and that any assistance I received in its preparation is fully acknowledged and disclosed in the paper. I have also cited any sources from which I used data, ideas, or words, either quoted directly or paraphrased. I also certify that this paper was prepared by me specifically for this course and purpose.

Student’s Signature: ______Student’s Name______

“Chapter Questions” Rubric • Name: ______Needs Acceptable Good Excellent Category Improvement Score C = 2.1 – 2.3 B = 2.4 – 2.8 A = 2.7 - 3.0 D = 1.8 – 2.0 Quality of Information has Information Information Information Information little or nothing clearly relates to clearly clearly relates to do with the the main topic. relates to the to the main main topic. Insufficient main topic. It topic. It details and/or provides 1-2 includes ____/3 examples are supporting several given. details and/or supporting examples. details and/or examples. Organization The information Organization of Information Information is is disorganized. information and is organized very construction of with well- organized paragraphs need constructed with well- ____/3 improving. paragraphs. constructed paragraphs and subheadings. Amount of One or more All subtopics are All subtopics All subtopics Information subtopics were addressed, and are addressed are addressed not addressed. most questions and most and all answered with questions questions ____/3 minimal answered answered elaboration. with with strong adequate elaboration. elaboration. Sources Some sources All sources All sources All sources are not (information and (information (information accurately graphics) are and graphics) and graphics) documented; accurately are are accurately format is documented, but accurately documented ____/3 incorrect. many are not in documented, in the desired the desired but a few are format. format. not in the desired format. Mechanics Many A few Almost no No grammatical, grammatical, grammatical, grammatical, spelling, or spelling, or spelling or spelling or ____/3 punctuation punctuation punctuation punctuation errors. errors. errors errors. Total: ____ /15

“Research Paper” Rubric • Name: ______Needs Acceptable Good Excellent Category Improvement Score C = 21.0 – 23.9 B = 24.0 – 26.9 A = 27.0 - 30.0 D = 18.0 – 20.9 Quality of Information has Information Information Information Information little or nothing clearly relates to clearly relates clearly relates to do with the the main topic. to the main to the main main topic. Insufficient topic. It topic. It details and/or provides 1-2 includes ____/30 examples are supporting several given. details and/or supporting examples. details and/or examples. Organization The information Organization of Information is Information is is disorganized. information and organized very construction of with well- organized paragraphs need constructed with well- ____/30 improving. paragraphs. constructed paragraphs and subheadings. Amount of One or more All subtopics are All subtopics All subtopics Information subtopics were addressed, and are addressed are addressed not addressed. most questions and most and all ____/30 answered with questions questions minimal answered with answered elaboration. adequate with strong elaboration. elaboration. Sources Some sources All sources All sources All sources are not (information and (information (information accurately graphics) are and graphics) and graphics) documented; accurately are accurately are accurately ____/30 format is documented, but documented, documented incorrect. many are not in but a few are in the desired the desired not in the format. format. desired format. Mechanics Many A few Almost no No grammatical, grammatical, grammatical, grammatical, spelling, or spelling, or spelling or spelling or ____/30 punctuation punctuation punctuation punctuation errors. errors. errors errors. Total: ____ /150

“Golf’s Sacred Journey” Rubric • Name: ______Needs Acceptable Good Excellent Category Improvement Score C = 21.0 – 23.9 B = 24.0 – 26.9 A = 27.0 - 30.0 D = 18.0 – 20.9 Quality of Information has Information Information Information Information little or nothing clearly relates to clearly relates clearly relates to do with the the main topic. to the main to the main main topic. Insufficient topic. It topic. It details and/or provides 1-2 includes ____/30 examples are supporting several given. details and/or supporting examples. details and/or examples. Organization The information Organization of Information is Information is is disorganized. information and organized very construction of with well- organized paragraphs need constructed with well- ____/30 improving. paragraphs. constructed paragraphs and subheadings. Amount of One or more All subtopics are All subtopics All subtopics Information subtopics were addressed, and are addressed are addressed not addressed. most questions and most and all ____/30 answered with questions questions minimal answered with answered elaboration. adequate with strong elaboration. elaboration. Sources Some sources All sources All sources All sources are not (information and (information (information accurately graphics) are and graphics) and graphics) documented; accurately are accurately are accurately ____/30 format is documented, but documented, documented incorrect. many are not in but a few are in the desired the desired not in the format. format. desired format. Mechanics Many A few Almost no No grammatical, grammatical, grammatical, grammatical, spelling, or spelling, or spelling or spelling or ____/30 punctuation punctuation punctuation punctuation errors. errors. errors errors. Total: ____ /150

“Case Study” Rubric • Name: ______Needs Acceptable Good Excellent Category Improvement Score C = 14.0 – 15.9 B = 16.0 – 17.9 A = 18.0 - 20.0 D = 12.0 – 13.9 Quality of Information has Information Information Information Information little or nothing clearly relates to clearly relates clearly relates to do with the the main topic. to the main to the main main topic. Insufficient topic. It topic. It details and/or provides 1-2 includes ____/20 examples are supporting several given. details and/or supporting examples. details and/or examples. Organization The information Organization of Information is Information is is disorganized. information and organized very construction of with well- organized paragraphs need constructed with well- ____/20 improving. paragraphs. constructed paragraphs and subheadings. Amount of One or more All subtopics are All subtopics All subtopics Information subtopics were addressed, and are addressed are addressed not addressed. most questions and most and all ____/20 answered with questions questions minimal answered with answered elaboration. adequate with strong elaboration. elaboration. Sources Some sources All sources All sources All sources are not (information and (information (information accurately graphics) are and graphics) and graphics) documented; accurately are accurately are accurately ____/20 format is documented, but documented, documented incorrect. many are not in but a few are in the desired the desired not in the format. format. desired format. Mechanics Many A few Almost no No grammatical, grammatical, grammatical, grammatical, spelling, or spelling, or spelling or spelling or ____/20 punctuation punctuation punctuation punctuation errors. errors. errors errors. Total: ____ /100

Plagiarism Further Defined (The following information has been copied directly from the website of Susan Hahn, Director of the DePauw University Writing Center. For further help, feel free to check the complete site at www.depauw.edu/admin/arc/plag.html.) 1. Plagiarism is turning in or passing off someone else's work as your own. Sometimes, the line between borrowing and stealing is unclear. In an intellectual community, ideas are passed around freely. Most intellectual inquiry could not take place without borrowing from the work of others. Responsible, honest writers indicate their debts to others by clearly citing material that they have borrowed. Irresponsible or dishonest writers often fail to cite their borrowings and thus become guilty of plagiarism.

Plagiarized work is easy to recognize because it does not clearly indicate borrowing. It is full of facts, observations, and ideas the writer could not have developed on his or her own and is written in a different style. Experienced writers rely almost as much as plagiarizers on other writers; they know that their ideas are generated in the context of the ideas of others. As a matter of honor, they indicate their debts to other writers and by doing so they more clearly indicate their own original contributions.”

2. Quote: A word for word copy of something someone else has said or written. In writing, a quoted passage is indicated by putting quotation marks (") at the beginning and end of the quote or, if the quote is long, setting it apart from the main text in an indented block. The source of the quote must also be cited, either in the text or in an endnote.

3. Paraphrase: In a paraphrase, you restate in your own words something your source has said. Many pieces of writing are almost all paraphrase. One purpose of paraphrasing, as opposed to quoting, is to put something into words your audience will understand. Articles in popular science magazines often paraphrase more difficult articles in science journals. A paraphrase must be cited; otherwise, it is as much a case of plagiarizing as copying word for word without citing the source. Putting something in your own words does not make it yours.

4. Summary: Like a paraphrase, a summary of a source is in your own words, but a summary is considerably shorter and does not follow the source as closely as a paraphrase. Again, you must cite the source for the summary. 5. Citation: identifies the source of a quote, paraphrase or summary. Citation practices vary considerably in different types of writing. In popular journalism, it's usually enough to cite the source in the text by the author's name. Some academic and professional writing requires only a brief textual citation, usually the name, the book or magazine it appeared in, and perhaps the page number. But most academic and professional writing requires a full citation, either in text or in a combination of a parenthetical citation in the text and a complete bibliographic entry in a List of Works Cited.

6. Direct Plagiarism: This is copying a source word for word without indicating that it is a quote and crediting the author. Course Syllabus - 26 BUAD 3367 – Business & Accounting Ethics

7. Borrowing work from other students: Dormitories, sororities, and fraternities provide atmospheres congenial to paper borrowing. There's nothing wrong with students helping each other or sharing information. But you must write your own essays. Turning in a paper that someone else has written is a special case of direct plagiarism.

8. Vague or Incorrect Citation: A writer should indicate where a borrowing begins and ends. Sometimes, a writer cites a source once, and the reader assumes that the previous sentence or paragraph has been paraphrased, when most of the essay is a paraphrase of this one source. The writer has failed to indicate his borrowings clearly. Paraphrases and summaries should be indicated as such by surrounding them with citation--at the beginning with the author's name, at the end with a parenthetical reference. The writer must always clearly indicate when a paraphrase, summary, or quotation begins, ends, or is interrupted.

9. Mosaic Plagiarism: This is the most common type of plagiarism. The writer does not copy the source directly, but changes a few words in each sentence or slightly reworks a paragraph, without giving credit to the original author. Those sentences or paragraphs are not quotes, but are so close to quotes that that they should be quoted or, if they have been changed enough to qualify as a paraphrase, the source should be cited.

Writing Quality Requirements for Assignments

A Paper Perhaps the principle characteristic of the A paper is its rich content. Some people describe that content as “meaty,” others as “dense,” and still others as “packed.” Whatever, the information delivered is such that one feels significantly taught by the author, sentence after sentence, paragraph after paragraph. The A paper is also marked by stylistic finesse: the title and opening paragraph are engaging; the transitions are artful; the phrasing is tight, fresh, and highly specific. Finally, the A paper, because of its careful organization and development, imparts a feeling of wholeness and unusual clarity. Not surprisingly, then, it leaves the reader feeling bright, thoroughly satisfied, and eager to reread the piece.

B Paper It is significantly more than competent. Besides being almost free of mechanical errors, the B paper delivers substantial information – that is, substantial in both quantity and interest-value. Its specific points are logically ordered, well-developed, and unified around a clear organizing principle that is apparent early in the paper. The opening paragraph draws the reader in; the closing paragraph is both conclusive and thematically related to the opening. The transitions between the paragraphs are, for the most part, smooth and the sentence structures pleasingly varied. The diction of the B paper is typically much more concise and precise than that found tin the C paper. Occasionally, it even shows distinctiveness, i.e., finesse and memorability. On the whole, then, a B paper makes the reading experience a pleasurable one, for it offers substantial information with few distractions.

C Paper It is generally competent; it meets the assignment criteria, has few mechanical errors, and is reasonably well-organized and developed. The actual information it delivers, however, seems thin and commonplace. One reason for that impression is that the ideas are typically cast in the form of vague generalizations that prompt the confused reader to ask marginally: “In every case?” “Exactly how large?” “Why?” “But how many?” Statistically, the C paper has other shortcomings as well: the opening paragraph does little to draw the reader in; the final paragraph offers only a perfunctory wrap-up; the transitions between paragraphs are often bumpy; the sentences, besides being a bit choppy, tend to follow a predictable (hence monotonous) subject-verb-object patter; and the diction is occasionally marred by unconscious repetition, redundancy, and imprecision. The C paper, then, while it gets the job done, lacks both imagination and intellectual rigor, and hence does not invite a rereading.

D Paper Its treatment and development of the subject are as yet only rudimentary. While organization is present, it is neither clear nor effective. Sentences are frequently awkward, ambiguous, and marred by serious mechanical errors. Evidence of careful proofreading is scanty, if not nonexistent. The whole piece, in fact, often gives the impression of having been conceived and written in haste.

F Paper Its treatment of the subject is superficial. Its theme lacks discernable organization. Its prose is garbled or stylistically primitive. Mechanical errors are frequent. In short, the ideas, organization, and style fall far below what is acceptable college writing.

-Hodges. (1998) Harbrace College Handbook, 12th ed. Thomson Learning: New York, NY

Course Syllabus - 28