This document outlines the grading criteria for a final project assignment in a philosophy course. It provides detailed descriptions and point values for identifying and explaining an argument, evaluating its validity and strength, creating a counterargument, identifying weaknesses in the original argument, writing mechanics, formatting, and meeting word and source requirements. Students must choose a topic, analyze an argument, and develop a counterargument supported by at least three scholarly sources. They can complete a written essay, PowerPoint presentation, or video following APA style guidelines. The assignment aims to develop skills in logical reasoning, argument evaluation, and philosophical writing and discussion.

1. PHI103.W5A1.10.2013
Description
:
Total Possible Score
: 10.00
Identifies the Issue That Is Addressed in the Argument
Total: 1.00
Distinguished - Clearly and accurately identifies the issue that
is addressed in the argument.
Proficient - Accurately identifies the issue that is addressed in
the argument. The identification is slightly unclear or
imprecise.
Basic - Identifies the issue that is addressed in the argument.
The identification is unclear or imprecise.
Below Expectations - Misidentifies the issue that is addressed in
the argument. The identification is significantly unclear,
imprecise, and/or inaccurate.
Non-Performance - The identification of the issue that is
addressed in the argument is either nonexistent or lacks the
components described in the assignment instructions.
Explains the Argument and Identifies the Premises and
Conclusions
Total: 1.50
Distinguished - Accurately explains the argument and clearly
identifies all relevant premises and conclusions.
Proficient - Accurately explains the argument and identifies
most relevant premises and conclusions.
Basic - Explains the argument and identifies some relevant
premises and conclusions. The explanation may be somewhat
unclear or inaccurate.
Below Expectations - Inaccurately and/or unclearly explains the
argument and identifies few or no relevant premises and
conclusions.

2. Non-Performance - The explanation of the argument and the
identification of the relevant premises and conclusions are
either nonexistent or lack the components described in the
assignment instructions.
Evaluates the Argument’s Validity, Soundness, and/or Strength
Total: 1.50
Distinguished - Accurately and clearly evaluates the argument.
The evaluation includes proper identification of inductive or
deductive reasoning as well as validity, soundness, and/or
strength where applicable.
Proficient - Accurately evaluates the argument. The evaluation
includes proper identification of inductive or deductive
reasoning as well as validity, soundness, and/or strength where
applicable. Minor details are missing or unclear.
Basic - Evaluates the argument. The evaluation includes
identification of inductive or deductive reasoning as well as
validity, soundness, and/or strength, but relevant details are
missing, unclear, or inaccurate.
Below Expectations - Inaccurately and/or unclearly evaluates
the argument. The evaluation may not identify inductive or
deductive reasoning, validity, soundness, and/or strength.
Non-Performance - The evaluation of the argument is either
nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment
instructions.
Creates a Counterargument With Supporting Premises
Total: 1.50
Distinguished - Creates a clear counterargument with supporting
premises that are fully grounded in logical reasoning and/or
factual evidence. The counterargument is strong if inductive,
and valid and sound if deductive.
Proficient - Creates a mostly clear counterargument with
supporting premises that are adequately grounded in logical
reasoning and/or factual evidence. The counterargument is
strong if inductive, and valid and sound if deductive.

3. Basic - Creates a counterargument with supporting premises that
are partially grounded in logical reasoning and/or factual
evidence. The counter-argument contains relevant errors in the
use of induction or deduction, which somewhat compromise the
argument’s strength, validity, and/or soundness.
Below Expectations - Attempts to create a counterargument with
supporting premises; however, the counter-argument lacks
logical reasoning and factual evidence and includes significant
errors in the use of induction or deduction, which compromise
the argument’s strength, validity, and/or soundness.
Non-Performance - The creation of a counterargument is either
nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment
instructions.
Identifies a Weakness in the Original Argument and Critiques
That Weakness
Total: 1.10
Distinguished - Clearly identifies a weakness in the original
argument and critiques that weakness using factual evidence
and/or logical reasoning.
Proficient - Identifies a weakness in the original argument and
critiques that weakness using factual evidence and/or logical
reasoning. The identification and/or critique are slightly
unclear.
Basic - Identifies a weakness in the original argument and
partially critiques that weakness using logical reasoning and/or
factual evidence. The identification and/or critique are unclear
or do not directly relate to weaknesses in the original argument.
Below Expectations - Attempts to identify a weakness in the
original argument and critique that weakness; however, the
identification and critique are unclear and/or do not relate to
weaknesses in the original argument.
Non-Performance - The identification of a weakness in the
original argument and the critique of that weakness are either
nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment
instructions.

4. Written Communication: Control of Syntax and Mechanics
Total: 1.00
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.
Word Requirement
Total: 1.00
Distinguished - The length of the paper is equivalent to the
required number of words.
Proficient - The length of the paper is nearly equivalent to the
required number of words.
Basic - The length of the paper is equivalent to at least three
quarters of the required number of words.
Below Expectations - The length of the paper is equivalent to at
least one half of the required number of words.
Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or
lacks the components described in the instructions.
APA Formatting
Total: 0.70
Distinguished - Accurately uses APA formatting consistently

5. throughout the paper, title page, and reference page.
Proficient - Exhibits APA formatting throughout the paper.
However, layout contains a few minor errors.
Basic - Exhibits basic 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.
Resource Requirement
Total: 0.70
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 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 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.
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Week 5 - Final Project
Final Project
Please read the instructions below for information on how to

6. complete this assignment.
For a list of resources that are specific to this assignment,
please utilize the "Resources Tab" located below.
If you feel that you need help with any of the main topics for
this week, please revisit the Practice Activities located in the
Weekly Overview.
Assignment
Resources
In your written component of the Final Project, you will analyze
an argument in relation to a specific issue. Then, you will
respond to that argument by providing a counterargument.
Please choose one reading or media artifact from the
Final Project Argument Options
. Be sure to choose an issue in which you are interested and for
which you have enough factual evidence to create a strong
argument.
Complete the steps below based on your chosen argument:
Step One: Evaluate the Argument
Identify the issue that is addressed in the argument.
Explain the argument and identify the premises and conclusions.
Evaluate the argument.
If the argument has a deductive component, is it valid and
sound? Why?
If the argument has an inductive component, is it strong or
weak? Why?
Remember that arguments often contain both inductive and
deductive components. Do your best to identify all the
arguments that are used to support the position presented in the
piece.
Step Two: Create a Counterargument
Create a counterargument to the original argument.
Present premises that support your own position while also
pointing out the weaknesses inherent in the original argument.
Avoid the use of fallacious reasoning and anecdotal evidence.
If you are using inductive arguments, make sure that they are
strong. If you are using deductive arguments, make sure that

7. they are valid and attempt to provide sound premises.
Use factual evidence and/or logical support from at least three
scholarly sources to support your argument.
This might require you to play “devil’s advocate.” Remember
that you do not need to agree with the position for which you
argue. You may need to take on an opposing position to your
own personal view and argue from that position. Critical
thinkers are able to take on opposing perspectives and identify
the strongest arguments from those perspectives.
Choose
one
of the options below to present your argument evaluation and
counterargument.
Written Assignment
Must be 1100 to 1400 words in length, excluding the title page
and reference page(s).
Must include at least three scholarly sources to support the
counterargument.
Must be formatted according to APA 6th edition style
guidelines as outlined in the
Ashford Writing Center
.
PowerPoint Presentation
Must be 10 to 12 slides in length, excluding the title slide and
reference slide(s). You must also include an audio voice-over
transcript or slide notes totaling between 1100 and1400 words.
The presentation, transcript, and/or slide notes must include
APA-style references (in-text and on the reference slide) for at
least three scholarly sources supporting the counter-argument.
Must be formatted according to APA 6th edition style
guidelines as outlined in the
Ashford Writing Center
.
Feel free to use images that enhance the presentation and
contribute to it. However, remember that images are not a

8. substitute for the content that must be presented in slide notes
or audio voice-over.
Video Presentation using Present.me (
https://present.me/content/
)
Must be five to ten minutes in length (no longer than ten
minutes) and, include a voice-over component. At the beginning
of the presentation, include the title page content listed below
under the “Writing the Final Project” guidelines.
Must provide a transcript of the video content that is between
1100 and 1400 words, including APA-style references (in-text
and on the reference page(s)) to at least three academic sources
supporting the counter-argument.
Feel free to use images that enhance the presentation and
contribute to it. However, remember that images are not a
substitute for the content that must be presented in your audio
voice-over.
To submit your work, copy and paste the URL to your video
into a Word document along with your transcript. Include your
name and date, and submit the assignment using the Assignment
Submission button in the online classroom.
For help with using Present.me, use these resources.
Present.me User Guide
Your First Present.me
Quick Start Video
The
Ashford Writing Center (AWC)
has two kinds of tutoring available to you.
Live Chat
– If you have writing-related questions about a topic before you
draft a discussion post or submit a written assignment, you will
now be able to chat live with a tutor for a short (up to 20
minute) conversation. Live Chat will be available Monday
through Friday from 10:00-11:00 am and 4:00-5:00 pm (PST).
AWC Live Chat
Email Paper Review

9. – If you have a draft, partial draft, or even if you’re having
trouble getting started, you can complete a submission form and
email your paper to the AWC for review.
Writing Tutors will do their best to return your paper with their
comments within 48 hours, not including Saturdays and
Sundays. Please plan accordingly if you would like to receive
feedback before an assignment due date.
AWC Email Paper Review
Writing the Final Project
The Final Project:
Must be 1100 to 1400 words in length, and formatted according
to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Must include a title page/slide with the following:
Title of project
Student’s name
Course name and number
Instructor’s name
Date submitted
Must begin with an introduction that has a succinct thesis
statement.
Must address the topic of the project with critical thought.
Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
Must use at least three scholarly sources, including a minimum
of three from the Ashford University Library.
Must document all sources in APA 6th edition style, as outlined
in the Ashford Writing Center.
Must include a separate reference page/slide that is formatted
according to APA style as outlined in the
Ashford Writing Center
.
Carefully review the
Grading Rubric
for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.
Late Policy:
Written assignments (essays, journals, presentations) are due

10. on the specified days in the course. Written assignments will be
subject to a late penalty of up to 10% per day up to three days
late. If written assignments are submitted after 72 hours past the
due date, instructors can give a penalty up to and including a
grade of 0 for the assignment.
Resources
Required Resources
Article
Zúñiga y Postigo, G. (2013).
How to write an argumentative essay
[Unpublished work]. College of Liberal Arts, Ashford
University, Clinton, IA.
This document explains how students can effectively present a
philosophical argument.