Short Reading Summary Assignment

Short Reading Summary Assignment

Grading Rubric

This rubric is designed to clarify the grading process for your reading summary essay.
Total 30 Marks
1. Introduction and background context – 5 marks
The introduction should include reference to the research paper, book chapter or other source
the student was assigned, as well as a statement about the topic and the problem or issue the
student will be addressing from the reading (2 marks); the historical agents that the chapter
focuses on (eg. specific Indigenous group(s), colonial interests, etc….(1 mark); and why the
topic is of interest to the study of Canadian economic history (1 mark).
The introduction should also include a brief statement of the paper’s argument or hypothesis (1
marks).
Marks __________

2. Reference to the associated scholarly literature and course readings – 5 marks
Should include references to scholarly literature relevant to their reading’s topic and discuss in
relation to the following categories: how sources are situated in terms of relevant debates,
theory, methods of analysis, evidence, and findings. All sources should be properly cited using a
standard citation method: eg. APA; MLA, Chicago, Harvard, etc…
A bibliography or works cited page should be included at the end.
Marks __________
3. Discussion and analysis of the assigned resource – 15 marks
This section should include discussion of the theoretical framework(s) thought to be relevant
and why (5 marks); the methodology and evidence included or cited (including brief reference to
sources and indications of graphs, charts and summary data in the Works Cited page if relevant
(5 marks).
Quality of argument, style and writing. Students should make a coherent, well written argument
that takes into consideration alternative views where relevant in a concise manner. The
summary shows by its reference to the sources why one particular perspective has more merit
or adds to our understanding, perhaps in a way that others do not (5 marks).
Marks __________
4. Concluding remarks – 5 marks
Student summarizes the results and implications of the analysis in their assigned reading. If
relevant, suggests further work that would help to resolve the issue. What insights has the
student gained through their reading and analysis of this source? What questions remain
unanswered or are worthy of further enquiry?