Ethical Short Story (philosophy)

Not Yet (3/10)

Approaching Standard (6/10)

Meeting Standard (8.5/10)

Exceeding Standard (10/10)

Plot

The moral challenge facing characters is difficult to understand or not believable. There is no clear beginning, middle and end. The moral challenge goes unaddressed.

The moral challenge facing characters is believable but is not addressed in a meaningful way by any characters. There is a lack of clarity about beginning, middle and end.

The moral challenge facing characters is realistic and clearly defined. It is addressed meaningfully by one or more characters throughout the course of a clearly defined beginning, middle and end. 

The moral challenge is multi-faceted, realistic and involves difficult choices for characters in addressing it. The beginning, middle and end of the story develop and complicate how the moral challenge is understood.

Characters

Characters are so one-dimensional or underdeveloped that they do not seem particularly human or relatable. They do not express coherent philosophical perspectives on the moral challenge of the story. 

Some characters are developed sufficiently to express basic philosophical perspectives but without acting meaningfully to address the challenge itself. 

All characters are sufficiently developed to express distinct philosophical viewpoints on the moral challenge in contrast to other viewpoints. One or more characters make a meaningful decision about how to address the moral challenge.

All characters express philosophical viewpoints that are challenged and considered by other characters about the moral challenge. One or more characters make a meaningful decision about how to address the moral challenge. 

Setting

Little or no attempt is made to describe the physical environment of the story. Setting & imagery play little or no role in characterization, mood or plot.

The setting is provided but not adequately described or evoked. Imagery may be lacking.

Solid concrete, specific, sensory details color much of the plot & character development. Artful language is used consistently, effectively & purposefully to create a vivid story. 

Physical environments & emotional atmosphere are clearly evoked through telling details & exposition. The setting & imagery are closely tied to the events & mood of the narrative.

Course Content

No discernible connection is made between the plot, characters and ethical concepts discussed in class. 

Some connections are made between plot, characters and ethical concepts from the course but are not developed beyond obvious and literal connections.

Connections made between plot, characters and ethical concepts from the course are clearly defined and explored in some detail throughout the course of the story.

Connections made between plot, characters and course concepts are presented in detail and explored thoroughly as characters challenge each other and work through the moral challenge.

Conventions

Many errors in dialogue, verb tense, punctuation, grammar, paragraphing distract the reader. 

Several errors in dialogue, verb tense, punctuation, grammar, paragraphing distract the reader. 

Some minor errors in grammar, syntax & punctuation do not distract the reader. Its within range of required  word count.

There are no or very few errors in dialogue, verb tense, punctuation, grammar, paragraphing. Its within range of required pages.