What is an A?

Below is the grade scale that is set by the university.

• A+ (97.5 – 100)
• A  (92.5 – 97.4)
• A- (90.0 – 92.4)
• B+ (87.5 – 89.9)
• B  (82.5 – 87.4)
• B- (80.0 – 82.4)
• C+ (77.5 – 79.9)
• C  (70.0 – 77.4)
• D  (60.0 – 69.9)
• F  (< 60)

It’s worthwhile to consider what these grades actually mean. You do not earn an A in this class for working hard or being a nice person. Rather, your grades should reflect the extent that you are able to critically think about and assess the core concepts of this class.

A (exceptional)

• Solid performance 
• Basic skills mastered 
• Originality, Creativity, Depth of Analysis 
•  Sees beyond the obvious, looks for relationships and connections 
•  The attempt is what counts. 

B (satisfactory)

• Solid, competent performance 
• Can summarize and use course skills adequately 
• Good mastery of basic skills 
• Needed to move from B to an A: 
• Analysis, Insight and Creative Approach 

C (average)

• Competent (but uneven) performance
• Mastery of basic substance of course 
• Basic skills often marginal/needs improvement (math, writing, reference) 
• Needed to move from C to a B: 
• Master more advanced or intricate course topics 
• More critical reasoning (learn facts and themes in proper proportion) 

D or F (needs work)

• Failure to master basic substance of course
• Poor performance in basic skills (math, writing)
• Often, poor attitude and work habits (does not participate in class discussions, does not complete assigned readings, unable to answer when questioned)
• Needed to move D or F to a C:
• All the above points need work