• Academic trajectory is apparent in the student’s portfolio

• Evidence of satisfactory breadth of knowledge about research focus

• Evidence of coherent scholarly focus

• Evidence of coherence between scholarly focus and other academic interests

• Evidence of academic curiosity

• Evidence of theoretical sophistication

• Shows timely progress through program of study

• Effectively uses the portfolio process as an occasion to articulate intellectual growth during course of academic program

• Integrates coursework and doctoral experiences in a coherent narrative that indicates a clear scholarly trajectory

• Provides clear explanation of how particular course papers included in the portfolio show evidence of this trajectory

• Integrates coursework with intellectual interests

Conceptualization and Synthesis:

• Ability to construct a purposeful literature review in support of thesis or argument
• Ability to articulate and recognize appropriate theoretical paradigms
• Ability to go beyond disciplinary boundaries, i.e., show a breadth of knowledge and link a broad spectrum of thinking into student’s area
  of specialization
• Ability to articulate the scholarly importance and relevance of issues addressed in thesis statement

Organizational Clarity:

• Well defined paragraphs
• Good transitions between paragraphs
• Purposeful organizational plan
• Clear thesis statement
• Clear argument supported by evidence
• Counter-argument addressed
• Logical conclusion that follows argument of paper

Technical Correctness:

• Spelling
• Grammar
• Clear sentence structure and variety
• Appropriate vocabulary and word choice
• Follow accepted styles for quotation, citation, etc. (i.e., APA, Chicago)