Paper Guidelines and Grading Rubric
Important
- Important:You may break the rules on this page to make a better paper—but only if you talk to me first, explain your reasons, and I give you explicit approval.
- Every fact that is not common knowledge must have a citation from a peer-reviewed paper or a book, with page number in both cases.
- The bibliography of your paper includes a book, a primary source (which could be translated) and a peer reviewed secondary source. Make sure all three are cited and used meaningfully in your paper.
Format
- Your submission must begin with the completed first-page template (which includes the title, word count, outline, and sources). Please make a copy of the Google Doc, fill it in carefully, and include it at the beginning of your paper.
- Use Arial, 12 pt font, double-spaced. Submit your paper as a PDF. Make sure your paper meets the required word count
- Your paper must start with an introduction that describes the framing of your topic and briefly outlines each section.
- Do not include screenshots of handwritten math or book pages unless you’ve gotten approval from me in advance.
Contents
- Your paper must include discussions of both math and history. A good rule of thumb is a minimum of 30% of each.
- You may focus on a part of your assigned topic—you do not need to cover everything.
- The math doesn’t need to be complicated, but you should show that you’ve really engaged with it. Pick a concept or example you find interesting and explore it in depth. Your choice should be nontrivial: not just a definition or formula, but something you work through in a meaningful way. It cannot be something you already understand well, like how to compute a basic limit.
- If you discuss applications, they must be connected to the historical development of the idea. For example, you may explain how the normal distribution emerged and what problem motivated its creation. But for current uses, just a brief mention is enough.
- Your paper should be written in language understandable to someone familiar with basic calculus and plane geometry. Avoid unnecessary jargon.
- Your paper must include at least three relevant figures or tables, clearly labeled, credited, and cited. You are encouraged (but not required) to create your own visuals.
- Remember to follow the course AI policy - your mathematical explanations and historical analysis must demonstrate your own understanding and engagement with the material.
Notes
-
Trivial example: Simply stating a formula or definition.
Nontrivial example: Working through a concept or calculation that shows real understanding—for example, showing how the quadratic formula connects to completing the square by solving a specific equation. - Note: 1,000 words in 12 pt, double-spaced Times New Roman or Arial is roughly four A4 pages.
Grading Rubric
| Criteria | Excellent (Full) | Good (Partial) | Needs Improvement | Not Demonstrated | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Content | Deep understanding; a nontrivial example is clearly explained step by step. Written for an audience familiar with basic calculus and Euclidean geometry, with no unnecessary jargon. | Mostly clear explanation with minor gaps | Shallow, vague, or unclear explanation | Concept misunderstood or missing | /30 |
| Historical Content | Provides thorough, insightful context; effectively connects mathematical developments to historical background | Accurate history, but lacks depth or nuance | Basic coverage with little connection to context | Inaccurate or irrelevant historical content | /30 |
| Format & Structure | Meets required word count (~2000 words). Clearly organized into labeled sections with meaningful titles. Starts with an introduction that outlines the paper’s structure. Writing is clear and readable throughout; occasional grammar or punctuation issues are fine as long as the ideas are easy to follow. First page is completed and included. | Mostly well-organized with some structure or clarity issues. Minor lapses in flow, but overall readable. | Some structure present but unclear or inconsistent. Writing may be hard to follow at times. | Unstructured or confusing. Lacks clear sections or is difficult to follow. Does not meet length requirement. | /15 |
| Citations | All sources are peer-reviewed or appropriate books. Every non-common fact is cited with page numbers. All sources are used in the paper. A primary source is included. | Most sources cited correctly; some page numbers or items missing | Incomplete citations or unclear connection between text and bibliography | Few or no citations; bibliography incomplete or missing | /30 |
| Images / Tables | At least 3 relevant figures or tables, clearly labeled, credited, and referenced in the text. Student-created content encouraged and highlighted. | Includes 2–3 figures or tables; most labeled and cited properly | Fewer than 3, or unclear use/lack of labeling or citation | No figures/tables, or none are integrated into the paper | /10 |
| Creativity | Original approach; includes a personal perspective, creative structure, or stylistic innovation that enhances the paper | Some originality or individual voice | Mostly standard academic writing with few creative choices | Generic, formulaic, or entirely derivative | /5 |