CONTENTS

Checklist for assessed work 2Submitting your work 3Assessed work hand-dates/deadlines 4Extensions 14Mitigating Circumstances 15Plagiarism/academic malpractice 16Examinations 17Re-sit Examinations/Essays 18Submitting an Assignment Using Turnitin 19Feedback 19Useful dates for the academic year (2017/18) 20Annex I. Sample cover (title) page 21Annex II. Submitting an assignment using Turnitin 22Annex III. POLIS assessment criteria/marking scheme 32

Rules and Procedures

Each university department has its own rules regarding how assessed work should be formatted and submitted. We have put together the following Guide, which covers all aspects of submitting assessed work on POLIS modules. Please contact the teaching schools for non POLIS modules.

Full rules, regulations and policies relating to all aspects of student education can be found on the Student Education Service website: http://students.leeds.ac.uk/info/21519/rules_regulations_and_guidelines

Rules relating to assessment can be found in the Code of Practice on Assessment (Taught Students) which can be found here: http://students.leeds.ac.uk/info/10108/attendance_and_absences/658/attendance

School of Politics &International Studies

UndergraduateAssessment Guide2017 - 2018

Checklist for assessed work (IMPORTANT: please use this every time you submit assessed work!)

Word count & 10% leewayYour assessed work should be of a specified length (e.g. 3,000 words, 6,000 words). You are permitted to go over the specified word limit by 10%. If you exceed the word limit by more than 10%, you will lose marks in accordance with the Code of Practice on Assessment (COPA) (see below). This is to prevent students gaining advantage by excess length. The specified word count includes all text,references and title/cover page but it excludes the final bibliography and any appendices.

For work that exceeds the word limit, the following penalties will be applied:

Exceeds word limit by Marks to be deducted10 - 20.0% 520 - 30.0% 1030 - 40.0% 1540 - 50.0% 20

If the word count exceeds the word limit by more than 50%, the mark awarded for the work will be a maximum of 20.

Insufficient word lengthThe school does not set a minimum word count. An essay which is excessively short is likely to have arguments which are underdeveloped or may fail to address the main issues and the mark is more likely to reflect this.

File FormatsWhere possible please use pdf for Turnitin submissions. If you are using OpenOffice, use the odt format or save as a pdf. The files you submit to Turnitin must satisfy some basic requirements – see the Turnitin guide at http://www.leeds.ac.uk/vle/students/assess/turnitin/ for more information on files and common problems with submissions.

ReferencingHarvard is the required referencing style used on all POLIS modules. In-depth information on Harvard can be accessed at: https://library.leeds.ac.uk/skills-referencing-harvard

BibliographyA bibliography is a list of all the sources of information you have consulted in your research, arranged alphabetically. For more details on how to compile a bibliography using Harvard referencing style follow the link: http://library.leeds.ac.uk/info/311/referencing/40/reference_lists_and_bibliographies/1

Cover (title) page (see example in Annex I)- Student number (e.g. 200100234)- Name and course code of module (e.g. PIED1512 International Politics)- Title/Question (e.g. What role do Internationalorganisations play in developing and applying InternationalLaw?)- Word count (the bibliography and any appendices do not count towards it, but any text in graphs and pictures does)- Name of the tutor, who is usually your seminar tutor and who will mark your work

Student numberYour student number should appear in three places:

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- You must use your student number as the title of your document when uploading to Minerva.- cover (title) page (see above)- at the bottom of every page

Font 12pt Arial is the required font; the text should be double spaced.

Page numbersBoth the paper and electronic copy must have every page numbered, as this makes it easier to mark your work and to provide specific feedback.

AnonymisedThe only thing that should identify your work is your unique, 9 digit, student number (e.g. 200100234, see above). Please make sure that you write this number down correctly!

Submitting Your Work

You must keep a copy of all of your assessments on your University ‘M’ drive, even if you also store it somewhere else. This has the advantage that it is backed up on a daily basis, and any work lost can be retrieved by ISS. Losing work because of computer failure/error/theft is not a viable excuse.

You may not submit the same, or substantially the same, piece of work for two different modules, be this within this university or work produced for another. This is classed as self-plagiarism and disciplinary action will be taken if you do. If you need further guidance, see your Module Tutor.

We recommend you use Chrome, Firefox or Safari (on a Mac), when uploading your submissions. Please stay up to date with the latest versions of the software.

Turnitin

All assessed work should be handed in electronically, online, via Turnitin on Minerva, unless otherwise stated. See Annex II for detailed instructions.By submitting your assessed essay through Minerva you are accepting the Declaration of Academic Integrity, extending to a declaration that the work is not plagiarised and that the word count is accurately stated.

It is essential that you check whether your submission has been successful by selecting the Check Tab on the top menu bar. You must note and keep a record of your Submission ID. This is the only evidence of submission that we will accept in any dispute regarding failed submission or lateness.

You are also required to keep an additional copy of the essay for your own reference. In addition you must keep your notes and draft copies of the essay. Further information can be found at www.leeds.ac.uk/vle/students/assess/turnitin.

Occasionally you may be asked to hand in a hard copy of your essay. This should be handed into the POLIS reception. You may also be asked to provide an integrity statement form. This can be found on MInerva at https://vlebb.leeds.ac.uk/webapps/blackboard/content/listContentEditable.jsp?content_id=_1087168_1&course_id=_85331_1

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Top Tips

Please ensure you leave yourself enough time to submit your assessments. At busy times, Turnitin can take a few minutes to process papers. If your internet connection is slow it could take longer than you think to navigate to the submission page and upload, especially on your home internet connection.

Double clicking or repeated clicking, will not make your assessment submit any quicker.

Don't attempt to submit multiple assessments at the same time by opening more than one tab in your browser. You can end up submitting to the wrong assignment. Wait until your first assessment has uploaded, then navigate to the other submission area and upload the next paper.

Turnitin does not support opening multiple assignments in browser tabs.

Try to use a wired connection—it’s faster and there’s no competition for a wireless connection. If you must use wireless, ensure your submission is completed before walking away.

The Mobile Learn app gives you convenient mobile access to some tests but we recommend you only use mobile when the work’s not assessed.

For essay type assignments Turnitin needs words—at least 25—and these must be selectable text (not images of text). Check your submission contains selectable text by copying and pasting into a notepad application.

Your files must be smaller than 40 megabytes. See the compression guide at https://www.leeds.ac.uk/vle/generalhelp/compress/ for tips on reducing file size.

An on-screen receipt will display when you've successfully submitted your assignment to Turnitin—don't close your browser/tab until you have seen this receipt. Familiarise yourself with the process by reading the online source at https://www.leeds.ac.uk/vle/students/assess/turnitin/ . You’ll get an email copy later in the day. A receipt is the only proof of submission. No receipt: no submission.

If you’re worried about a particular submission, you can check your submission yourself. For turnitin assignments, you should normally receive an email confirmation within a few minutes after submission, but these can take a couple of hours to arrive during busy periods.

You can download a copy of your digital receipt. Return to the submission area, click on the download icon, then select digital receipt. You can also use the download icon to get a copy of your submitted file. See the Turnitin Guide for more information at http://www.leeds.ac.uk/vle/students/assess/turnitin/

Please note: for any PFP modules (Pass for Progression), you must pass these modules to be able to proceed to the following year of study/graduate.

Please check the Module and Programme catalogue for your degree to ensure you understand which modules are PFP.

Please note: for any PFP modules (Pass for Progression), you must pass these modules to be able to proceed to the following year of study/graduate.

Please check the Module and Programme catalogue for your degree to ensure you understand which modules are PFP.

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Work must be submitted through Turnitin by 12 noon on the due date.

You are welcome to submit assessed work at any time up to and including the due date (before 12 noon).

Late Work

Work submitted after 12 noon on the due date will be considered as late and will be penalised in accordance with University rules. A penalty of 5 marks per calendar day (including weekends) will be imposed. Any submissions after 12 noon can only be uploaded once.

Adding to Already-Submitted Work

Please note that, if you submit your work before the noon deadline, you are able to overwrite the initial submission; but this option is not available once the deadline has passed.

Please be aware that we do not accept computer failure and the loss of work associated with this as an excuse for submitting work late. You must keep back-up copies on your 'M' drive to guard against computer failure or loss.

Assessed Presentations

Students must complete all assessment elements of a module, including presentations, in order to pass that module. In the event of illness or absence, alternative arrangements for assessment will be made.

Group work

For some modules assessment can take the form of group work.  Working in groups requires students to develop an important skill-set, and is good preparation and experience for future employment.

However, students should be aware that the whole group bears responsibility for the work produced and its submission. 

This means that if a part of the work is plagiarised then the whole group will be considered to be responsible for the act of plagiarism.  In addition, if the work is submitted late, then the whole group will be subject to the penalty.

We therefore advise all students who are undertaking group work to discuss and take responsibility for all parts of any written material that is produced.  Furthermore, groups should not rely on one individual to submit work.  Students are advised to organise themselves in such a way as for a number of the group to met before the deadline for submission to check the final submission itself, and to discuss and finalise the arrangements as to who will submit the work.  On the day of submission, it is suggested that groups submit the work before the deadline, so as members of the group can check with each other that the submission has, in fact, been made. 

Extensions

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To request an extension for assessed work, please contact POLISExtensions@leeds.ac.uk at least 48 hours before the submission date, this will allow us time to process your request before the submission date. You can also complete the extension form and return to POLIS Office. This can be found on Minerva at Organisations', then 'Politics and International Studies', 'Undergraduates', then 'Extension Requests and Mitigating Circumstances'. 

Confirmation of extension requests will be actioned by email. We cannot authorise extensions verbally either over the telephone or at POLIS Reception.

An extension will only be granted for medical or personal problems, which can account for the delays, and will need to be supported by documentary evidence. Evidence must be presented to the POLIS Office, no later than the last day of the exam period.

For any extensions that have been granted, all work must be submitted by 12 noon of the new deadline. All assessments that have been granted extensions, are to be submitted to the late/extension box for your module. If assessments are submitted after the 12 noon deadline of your revised date, a penalty of 5 marks per calendar day (including weekends) will be imposed.

If you have been granted an extension we will not normally consider an application for mitigating circumstances below.

Mitigating CircumstancesIf you are experiencing medical/ adverse personal circumstances and you feel this has seriously affected your work (prevented you from submitting your work, or being unable to sit an examination) and wish to be considered by the POLIS Progress and Special Cases Board, you need to follow the procedures below:

a) Complete a Mitigating Circumstances Form which can be downloaded from Minerva, under 'Organisations', then 'Politics and International Studies', 'Undergraduates', then 'Extension Requests and Mitigating Circumstances'. This must be sent either by email, or given in by hand with any supporting evidence (i.e. medical note) to the POLIS Office, Social Sciences Building Room 13.35. Requests will not be considered without a completed Mitigating Circumstances Form.  All Mitigating Circumstances Forms must be supported by documentary evidence. This can be submitted after the form but before the assessment.

b) Your request with the completed form will then be considered by the POLIS Special Circumstances Board/Examination Board, and you will be notified of the decision in writing following the relevant Board/publication results.

c) The deadline to supply the Mitigating Circumstances Form is within five calendar days after the submission date, and always in advance of the POLIS Special Circumstances meeting where the results are going to be considered. Applications handed in after these deadlines will only be accepted in exceptional cases.

d) It should be noted that the Progress Board and Special Cases Board work on the basis of judgements formed by evidence. It is not the case that evidence of mitigating circumstances can lead the Board to change your transcript or marks. Where mitigating is considered to have disadvantaged a student it is possible for the Board to remedy this by allowing a student a

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further opportunity to demonstrate their ability. Importantly, no student is moved to a different degree classification based on evidence of mitigating alone.

Acceptable reasons that may lead to an extension or mitigating circumstances

The list below includes typical examples of circumstances which might lead to an extension of a coursework deadline, as well the medical/mitigating circumstances which would normally be taken into consideration by the Board of Examiners, and the sort of evidence required as substantiation:

Suffering a serious illness or injury The death or critical illness of a close family member A significant family crisis leading to acute stress Personal difficulties or other mitigating circumstances which are beyond the control of

the student.

Acceptable evidence would include medical certificates or some form of corroborating evidence from a third party source.

Unacceptable reasons to grant extensions, or mitigating circumstances

The following reasons would not normally be acceptable reasons to grant an extension of a coursework deadline:

Holidays or other events that were planned or could reasonably have been expected Assessments that are scheduled close together or on the same day Misunderstanding the requirements for the assessment Inadequate planning or time management Failure, loss or theft of a computer or other equipment, including inability to print off work

for whatever reason Consequences of paid employment Stress or panic attacks not supported by medical evidence Last minute or careless travel arrangements

Plagiarism/Academic Malpractice

Malpractice includes submitting of assessment work obtained from others including by theft, misrepresentation, fabrication of results or evidence, and theft or misrepresentation of identity.

Plagiarism is defined as presenting someone else’s work as your own. Work means any intellectual output, and typically includes text, data, images, sound or performance (Office of Academic Appeals & Regulation, 2005). Note that it is possible to self-plagiarise by reusing work of your own from another assignment without referencing it. You should not submit the same, or substantially the same piece of work, for two different modules. If you need further guidance, see your module tutor.

Detailed information about what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it can be found at: http://www.ldu.leeds.ac.uk/plagiarism/index.php and at the Skills@Library site at: http://skills.library.leeds.ac.uk/avoiding_plagiarism.php

The latest University policy on plagiarism and academic malpractice can be found at: http://students.leeds.ac.uk/info/10110/cheating_and_plagiarism

The University regards cheating and plagiarism and other instances of academic malpractice with the utmost seriousness. Such cases can be dealt with at the School or University level, depending

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on the nature of the offence, and the penalties imposed can vary from receiving a mark of zero (on the 0-100 scale) or 20 (on the 20 – 90 scale) for a piece of work to exclusion from the University.

We recognise that you are often required to work together in practical classes or other assessments, and it is often good to discuss assignments with other students. However, unless you are advised specifically for any particular task, all coursework you submit must be your own work, in your own words, and not merely a copy or paraphrase of the work of another student, lecture notes and handouts or some other source.

Note that it is possible to self-plagiarise by reusing work of your own from another assignment without referencing it. You should not submit the same, or substantially the same piece of work, for two different modules – this includes modules in other schools and even other universities. If you need further guidance, see your module tutor.

If you are not certain about what plagiarism is, then you must ask. Ignorance is not an excuse.See the table below for when the University terms officially start and end. Please be aware that if you leave the University before the term officially ends, you can still be called back for a meeting in connection with your assessed work up until the official end of term. Should you be unable to attend such a meeting due to the fact that you have left before the official end of term, your case will be considered on the assumption that you forfeited the specific rights provided to students in such circumstances.

See the table below for the when the University terms officially start and end. Please be aware that if you leave the Unibversity before the term officially ends, you can still be called back for a meeting in connection with your assessed work, up until the the official end of term. Should you be unable to attend such a meeting due to the fact that you have left before the official end of term, your case will be considered on the assumption that you forefeited the specific rights provided to students in such circumstances.

Examinations

University examinations are held at the end of each semester – in January for modules whose teaching is completed in semester 1 and in May for modules finishing in semester 2.

The re-sit examination/essay period is in 14th - 24th August. The number and duration of examinations per module is clearly detailed in the specification for each module. The majority of examinations are timetabled centrally and the times, dates and locations are published by the Examinations Section of Taught Student Administration:

http://www.leeds.ac.uk/ssc/examdates.htm

Work submitted after 12 noon on the due date will be considered as late and will be penalised in accordance with University rules. A penalty of 5 marks per calendar day (Including weekends) will be imposed.

Any re-sit essays are due on Tuesday 14 th August 2018 by 12 noon.

Re-sit essays must be uploaded to the relevant turnitin re-sit box. Each module will be assigned it’s own re-sit box which will be clearly labelled as August re-sit box- Module number. For modules with more than 1 assessment, there will be 2 boxes available – i.e August re-sit essay 1, August re-sit essay 2. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they have uploaded their work to the correct turnitin box.

Please note – re-sit essays can only be uploaded to Turnitin once.8

Registration for Examinations

Students are automatically registered for the examinations of modules for which they are enrolled. It is, however, their responsibility to ensure that they are registered for the correct examinations, including re-sits, where appropriate. The School and the University do not consider having examinations on consecutive days to be either unusual or unfair.

If you have an exam clash (i.e. two exams time-tabled for the same time), or 3 exams set in consecutive exam sessions (e.g. a Monday morning exam, followed by a Monday afternoon exam, followed by a Tuesday morning exam), please report this by email to examinationsofficer@leeds.ac.uk .

Please remember to include your full name, student number and the module codes and titles for all exams affected.

All examinations must be taken on the first occasion that they are offered in the year in which the module is studied, unless specific permission to delay is granted by the University.

Absence from examinations without submission of medical evidence or a note from your doctor will result in a mark of AB at a first attempt. Students should inform the POLIS Office – POLISAssessments@leeds.ac.uk; POLISUG@leeds.ac.uk; as soon as possible of any unavoidable absence and obtain evidence promptly to support it. Where the Board of Examiners agrees that the absence was the result of reasonable medical or other mitigating circumstances, a first attempt re-sit opportunity will be awarded.

Absence from an examination without approved mitigating circumstances counts as a failed attempt.

Please note that exam answers must be written in legible handwriting. If your handwriting cannot be read, you will be given a mark of 20/fail.

For further information on examinations see: Taught Student Administration (Examinations): www.leeds.ac.uk/ssc/uagcontents.htm#Section2

Re-Sit Examinations/Essays

Students must resit failed elements in the form they were originally assessed .i.e. if you fail an essay, you will be required to resit as an essay. New coursework questions will be released on the by 14th July 2018, and can be found on Minerva from this date.Whether you resit by essay or exam, all resits must be applied for through Central Examinations.

Students may be entitled to re-sit examinations/essays for failed modules in accordance with University regulations:

Undergraduate students who have a start date prior to academic term 2016/2017 are permitted three attempts to pass a module; the first attempt plus up to two resits.

Undergraduate students who have a start date in or after academic term 2016/2017 are permitted two attempts to pass a module; the first attempt plus one resit.

Students are not allowed to re-sit an examination/essay if they have already passed the module;

Unless there are mitigating circumstances that have been approved in advance by the School Special Circumstances Committee (when the student may be permitted to re-sit as a first attempt) the module re-sit mark is capped at 40 for undergraduate students

All capped resits incur a fee and there is also a fee for any late registration for resits.9

All fails and absent resits will appear on the students’ transcripts. Failure to register for or to attend re-sits without approval will be counted as a failed attempt

and will appear on the transcript.

Re-Submission of Coursework

It is the School policy that for resits, students should complete the same type of assessment as the first time, but that different questions should be sent. The resit essay questions will be published after the final results are released by 14th July 2018.

This applies to all modules unless an approved alternative form of assessment has been agreed with the Director of Student Education

The main exceptions to this form of re-examination will be for the Dissertation module. In the case of Dissertation modules, re-examination is based on submission either of a re-worked version of the original dissertation or of a dissertation on a new topic approved by the Dissertation Committee.

Requests for re-marking

The School will follow the defined procedure for check marking/moderation, as set out below;

“Check marking/moderation means that in addition to the first marker, another member of staff samples or audits the marking to review overall marking standards and consistency between individual markers. “ (taken from the University Code of Practice on Assessment)

In addition, the School is subject to scrutiny from expert external examiners from other institutions. As a result of this, we have confidence in our marking. The School will not re-mark any work at your request. We will only do so if we are instructed to by the University following a formal appeal.

Personal Tutor Meetings (‘Leeds for Life’)

Issues regarding students’ work are one of the main topics covered in Personal Tutor meetings and tutors should log onto the ‘Leeds for Life’ website, which has an agenda for meetings, as well as a point of access to information that will inform their meetings. Personal tutors are often in a position to pick up on more general issues regarding students’ academic work that may go undetected by individual seminar tutors.

Submitting an Assignment Using Turnitin

Turnitin is an assignment submission service, specifically designed to detect and prevent plagiarism.

Full instructions on how to submit through Turnitin can be found here:

http://www.leeds.ac.uk/vle/students/assess/turnitin/

It is essential that you check whether your submission has been successful by selecting the Check Tab on the top menu bar. You must note and keep a record of your Submission ID. This is the only evidence of submission that we will accept in any dispute regarding failed submission or lateness.

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Please also note that you can upload your essay as many times as you like BEFORE THE DEADLINE; it will overwrite the previous copy. You will not be able to do this after the deadline even if you have an extension.

Please allow plenty of time to upload your essay to Turnitin. The system can slow down during periods of heavy traffic, and penalties will be incurred for lateness.

For examination results we now require students to submit a title page in Minerva in Turnitin where staff can provide their feedback. A deadline will be set for submission of this title page. See Annex II. above and Assessment deadlines above.

FeedbackFeedback is given on all submitted assessed assignments/exams to provide you with an overview on your performance, highlighting where you have done well and areas that need improvement. Feedback is usually given in the following formats:

If your module is being marked using GradeMark, you can view your feedback by accessing the module via Minerva.

If your module is not using GradeMark a hardcopy ‘Feedback sheet’ can be collected from the POLIS reception.

We encourage you to contact your module tutor once you have received your written feedback to discuss further means of improvement, and ways in which we may be able to further support you.

All feedback given through Minerva can be printed of by students.

Regardless of the feedback method, an announcement will be put on Minerva for the relevant module, to confirm that feedback is ready for collection/ viewing. Feedback is normally due back to students 3 weeks from the submission date. If there is a delay on receiving feedback, an announcement will be put on Minerva to explain this.

Useful dates for the academic year (2017/18)

Session starts Wednesday, 20 September 2017

Session ends Friday, 15 June 2018

Semester 1 Teaching begins Monday, 25 September 2017

25 September 2017to 8 December 2017

Teaching ends Friday, 8 December 2017

Examinations period 8 – 19 January 2018

Semester 2 Teaching begins Monday, 22 January 2018

8 January 2018to 15 June 2018

Teaching ends Friday, 4 May 2018

Examinations period 14 May – 1 June 2018

Term 1 25 September 2017 – 8 December 2017

Term 2 8 January 2018 – 16 March 2018

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Term 3 16 April 2018 – 15 June 2018

Dates when the University will be closed (inclusive dates shown)

22 December 2017 - 1 January 2018

29 March (University closes at 12.00 pm) – 3 April 2018

7 May 2018

28 - 29 May 2018

27 - 28 August 2018

Annex I. Sample Cover (Title) Page for Assessed Essays

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200300237

PIED 1511 International Politics

“Anarchy is what states make of it. Discuss”

Word count: 3,125

Seminar Tutor: Dr John Smith

Annex II. POLIS Assessment Criteria/Marking Scheme – Undergraduate

Level 1

Marking Criteria for Assessed Essays and Examinations at Level 1

In line with all other University Departments, Level 1 assessed essays and examination scripts in this School are marked according to Level 1 teaching objectives rather than Level 2/3 (degree) objectives. This means that markers are looking for the comprehension of taught materials and an understanding of basics as a preparation for progression into Level 2. Students are not therefore penalised if they do not display to the same extent the kind of critical evaluative powers that would be expected at Levels 2/3. The marking scale (40+pass, 80+excellent) remains the same as the table of numbers, but marks awarded for assessment should not be regarded as indicating a degree classification.

Marking bands for level 1 assessed essays

To be placed in a given class, work need not have all the required characteristics . However, work with some of the characteristics of a given class will not necessarily be located in that class. Work on the margins of a class may drop to the class below if marred by poor presentation or referencing.

80%-90% This mark would be given to an outstanding piece of level 1 work. Work shows a well-developed and critical understanding of concepts and theories, with an excellent appreciation of competing arguments. The piece of work shows an ability to evaluate complex concepts and ideas. A fluent, logical, coherent essay, cogently structured and organised with a relationship apparent beetween the stages of the argument, leading to an analytical conclusion. Detail to be clearly related to the argument. It should represent an in-depth answer to the question, with the answer located within a broader framework/context. It should show a considerable awareness of the relevant literature, with a strong commitment to scholarly work in evidence including no deficiencies in referencing and bibliography. There should be considerable powers of synthesis.

70% -79% Work placed in this band would show signs of excellence. Work shows developed understanding of concepts, and theories, competent selection, interpretation and analysis of evidence and a substantial attempt to relate this to theory. There should be the ability to evaluate arguments using evidence, and a strong argument. Some attempt at critical evaluation should be apparent. A clear discussion, well-structured around the theme of the answer, showing a well-developed line of argument. The answer should be either broad or in-depth, reflecting considerable reading and awareness of differences between texts/authors, and criticisms of them. Detailed analysis of relevant material. A clear and concise conclusion/introduction written with fluency. Evidence of commitment to the scholarly approach with no deficiencies in bibliography and referencing.

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200300237

PIED 1511 International Politics

“Anarchy is what states make of it. Discuss”

Word count: 3,125

Seminar Tutor: Dr John Smith

60% - 69% This would represent a very good mark for a Level 1 piece of work. Work shows a sound understanding of relevant concepts and an ability to interpret and analyse evidence.

The writer should be able to compare and/or identify some strengths and weaknesses in available sources, a reasonable number of which have been consulted. Accurate recitation of authors/texts, some evaluation attempted. There is a clear overall structure to the essay and it contains no serious errors (in content or structure). There may be some descriptive passages but these should be relevant, accurate and concise. A clear introduction and conclusion written with some fluency. There will be evidence of an argument. Minor deficiencies in bibliography and reference may be evident.

50% - 59% This would represent a good piece of work. A generally sound and accurate understanding of concepts and evidence. A basic attempt to organise material. At times the text may lack structure but generally the essay is written in a clear and appropriate manner. Some may tend to focus on description, but the areas covered will be relevant to answering the question. Any limited attempt at evaluation of ideas/concepts/empirical material will be rewarded, but the argument will be weak or underdeveloped. There is evidence of some breadth of reading (i.e. three to four sources) and an attempt to reference authors and construct a bibliography in an accurate and academic manner.

40% - 49% This would be a satisfactory piece of work, but would show limited, partly inaccurate understanding and representation of relevant material. Answers in this band may contain some minor mistakes or the odd major mistake. Answers in this band may be inclined to provide simplistic descriptions or may be poorly linked to the literature. Poor structure, presentation or lack of clarity due to poor use of English may drag an otherwise good answer down into this band. A good answer which might have been in one of the bands above but which is inadequately referenced may be put into this band. A mark of 40-43% indicates the need for serious improvement.

The pass mark is 40%

35-39% This mark indicates a fail. Little relevant knowledge; poorly organised discussion that fails to adequately address the question; no adequate reasoned conclusion. Some relevant descriptive material but a tendency for repetition, digression or "waffle"; tendency to incoherence with weak structure, absence of logical development of argument; also perhaps evidence of some confusion, major mistakes, or poor written English. Little or no reference to literature. Generally the essay functions at a low level in terms of understanding the question and how to answer it. However there has to be enough of an answer to the question to distinguish this from the band below. Major inadequacies or omissions in referencing and bibliography.

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20-34% This is a bad fail. Little or no relevant knowledge, little or no reference to literature; an incoherent essay, very disorganised, with material irrelevant to question. Shows very limited or non-existent understanding of the question and how to answer it. Inappropriately brief answers may be placed in this band.

Marking bands for level 1 examinations

80%-90% This would be an outstanding exam answer for level 1. A well focused answer that exhibits critical engagement with a range of relevant concepts and theories. The answer has an excellent structure and presents a logical argument coherently. An extensive range of appropriate sources and/or data are referred to, and competently compared and evaluated in the script.

70-79% Work placed in this band shows signs of excellence. Again a well focused answer that exhibits engagement with the question and a range of relevant concepts and theories. The answer has a very clear and coherent overall structure and tackles the question in a highly competent and comprehensive manner. There will be a strong argument. A good range of sources and/or data are cited and evaluated in the answer.

60-69% This would be a very good level 1 exam answer. It would clearly engage and exhibit some ability to interpret concepts, theories and data as appropriate to the question. A well structured exam answer with a clear structure that shows evidence and understanding of relevant cited authors and or data. There will be evidence of an argument. The answer may include some descriptive elements but these will be relevant to the question.

50-59% This would represent a good exam answer at level 1. A competent answer that reflects adequate knowledge relevant to the question posed. Basic concepts and theories will be described. On occasions descriptions or explanations may not be clearly linked to the question but the answer will display some evidence of relevant knowledge. There will be evidence of an argument, but this will be weak. An attempt to structure the answer is evident but some inadequacies in organisation may be apparent. In order to attain a mark of 55%+ it is expected that candidates include some limited citation of key authors and/or sources of data.

40-49% A satisfactory answer that may show limited and/or inaccurate understanding and representation of relevant concepts and theories. Typically answers in this band would be poorly structured and limited to simplistic description. They may include some minor mistakes or the odd major mistake. Poor presentation or poor use of written English affecting clarity may be evident. No reference to relevant sources within the answer.

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The pass mark is 40%

35-39% This would be a fail. The answer would show little knowledge relevant to the question posed. There may be a tendency for repetition digression or waffle. A weak structure with an absence of a developed argument. Evidence of confusion, major mistakes or poor use of written English. No reference to relevant sources within the answer.

20-34% This is a bad fail. All or a majority of the above deficiencies will be in evidence. Inappropriately brief exam answers may be placed in this band.

Level 2

Marking Schemes for Level 2

To be placed in a given class, work need not have all the required characteristics . However, work with some of the characteristics of a given class will not necessarily be located in that class. Work on the margins of a class may drop to the class below if marred by poor presentation or referencing.

Marking Bands for Level 2 Assessed Essays

80%-90% Outstanding work that demonstrates independent scholarship. The candidate has used a wide variety sources and presents an imaginative and innovative argument. Signs of originality could be present. The structure is almost flawless.

70-79% Excellent work. A clear command and understanding of the issues can be noted along with independent thinking. The essay contains a wealth of relevant information, a strong argument, and demonstrates wide reading of appropriate literature.

60-69% Work showing evidence of a good knowledge and understanding of the material, put together in a way which is, for the most part, clearly argued, well-written, and relevant to the task set. Answers are thoroughly competent and accurate even if they may contain repetition of standard summaries of ideas as found in textbooks. There will be a developed argument.

50-59% Work which is competent and broadly relevant, but somewhat lacking in focus, organisation, or breadth of reference. Lack of structure obstructs the argument presented and the candidate seems to have misunderstood aspects of the essay question. One or more of the main sources may have been overlooked, and there may be over-reliance on one or two items in the literature.

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40-49% Work showing some knowledge of the material, but having serious shortcomings. Insufficient knowledge and/or understanding of the material is evident. The essay may be too short and relies almost exclusively upon a poor summary of standard accounts as found, for example, in textbooks. The candidate may have missed significant aspects of the question but there should be sufficient use of little knowledge to address basic issues. There could be poor presentation, organization of material, poor referencing and style.

Pass mark is 40

Fail 34-39% This mark indicates a fail. Little relevant knowledge; poorly organised discussion that fails to adequately address the question; no adequate reasoned conclusion. Some relevant descriptive material but a tendency for repetition, digression or "waffle"; tendency to incoherence with weak structure, absence of logical development of argument; also perhaps evidence of some confusion, major mistakes, or poor written English. There is likely to be little reference to literature. Generally the essay functions at a low level in terms of understanding the question and how to answer it. Major inadequacies or omissions in referencing and bibliography. However there has to be enough of an answer to the question to distinguish this from the band below.

20-34% This is a bad FAIL. Little or no relevant knowledge, little or no reference to literature; an incoherent essay, very disorganised, with material irrelevant to question. Shows very limited or non-existent understanding of the question and how to answer it. Inappropriately brief answers may be placed in this band.

Marking Bands for Level 2 Examinations

80%-90% Outstanding work. A rigorous argument is presented. There is detailed and extensive engagement with the relevant material. Signs of originality could be present. The structure is almost flawless.

70-79% Excellent work showing a clear command and understanding of the issues. Accurate recall of material pertinent to the set questions. Answers demonstrate a thorough preparation of the chosen topic and the ability of the candidate to demonstrate an independent mind, and there will be a strong argument. In particular the candidate has managed to avoid standard (e.g. textbook) repetition and instead draws upon material from other sources.

60-69% There is evidence of a precise recall of material. The answer is clearly structured, and there is also evidence of a logical argument that is clear and concise. The candidate has managed to avoid using irrelevant material by carefully preparing for the subject beforehand. There is some indication of standard repetition, although this is combined with other sources. Argument may be weak.

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50-59% The candidate demonstrates a capability of answering the question in a clear and coherent manner. However, the candidate also draws too heavily upon standard summaries for the main point. Thus there is a lack of breadth of reference to other sources.

40-49% The candidate relies in the main upon standard summaries and this is combined with a misunderstanding of aspects of the question. For example, the candidate tries to ‘fit’ a standard summary of some ideas to the question. As such depth is lacking in his/her argument. Correspondingly it may be evident that the candidate has not properly prepared the set topic, or that he/she is attempting to twist the question to fit his/her knowledge.

The candidate may have missed significant aspects of the question but there should be sufficient use of little knowledge to address basic issues. There could be poor presentation, organization of material, poor referencing and style.

Pass mark is 40

35-39% Very little breadth of reference even in relation to summarising passages from various sources. Indeed the exam reads too much like a rushed summary of lecture notes. In addition there is extremely inaccurate recall, and/or significant misunderstanding. There is a lack of structure and little understanding of the question.

20-34% There is inadequate and superficial recall of relevant material. While some key words or phrases may be evident, much of the argument will be incoherent and disorganised.

Level 3

Marking Criteria for Assessment Essays and Examinations – Level 3

To be placed in a given class, work need not have all the required characteristics . However, work with some of the characteristics of a given class will not necessarily be located in that class. Work on the margins of a class may drop to the class below if marred by poor presentation or referencing.

Marking Bands for Level 3 Assessed Essays

80%-90% Outstanding work that demonstrates independent scholarship. The candidate has used a wide variety sources in often with a degree of originality and presents an imaginative and innovative argument that demonstrates an excellent grasp and

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deployment of relevant concepts and theories. The structure is almost faultless and recall of arguments nearly reaches a postgraduate level.

70-79% Work shows well-developed understanding of concepts and theories, with an appreciation of competing arguments. Sophisticated selection, interpretation and analysis of evidence and a high level ability to relate this to theory. There should be a well-developed evaluation of various arguments. A fluent, logical, coherent essay, cogently structured and organised with a relationship apparent between the stages of the argument, leading to an analytical conclusion. Detail to be clearly related to the argument. It should represent an in-depth answer to the question, with the answer located within a broader framework/context. It should show a considerable awareness of the relevant literature, with a strong commitment to scholarly work in evidence. There should be considerable powers of synthesis.

60-69% Work shows developed understanding of concepts, and theories, competent selection, interpretation and analysis of evidence and a reasonable attempt to relate this to theory. There should be the ability to evaluate arguments using evidence.

A clear discussion, well-structured around the theme of the answer, showing a well-developed line of argument.

The answer should be broad or in-depth, reflecting considerable reading and awareness of differences between texts/authors, and criticisms of them. Detailed material generally connected well with the whole.

50-59% Work shows a sound understanding of relevant concepts, if generalised or uneven at times; ability to interpret and analyse evidence. The writer should be able to compare/identify some strengths and weaknesses in available sources, a reasonable number of which have been consulted. Accurate recitation of authors/texts, some evaluation attempted. There is a clear overall structure to the essay, if poorly co-ordinated at times, and argument is likely to be weak or underdeveloped. Some descriptive passages but these are accurate and precise. Some attempt to tackle theory but at a rather more basic level than for an upper second. A concise conclusion written with some fluency.

40-49% Work shows limited, partly inaccurate understanding and representation of relevant material – some material of tenuous relevance. Some interpretation of evidence and occasional critical points. Basic attempt to organise material. Limited use of sources; essay is poorly linked to literature; contains some mistakes. Inclined to simplistic descriptions; little on more conceptual areas. Essay may be marred by poor structure or presentation, inadequate bibliography or weak written English. There is some, if limited, understanding of the question and awareness of relevant authors/texts, on the basis of which some sort of conclusion is reached.

Pass mark is 40

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Fail 34-39%This mark indicates a fail. Little relevant knowledge; poorly organised discussion that fails to adequately address the question; no adequate reasoned conclusion. Some relevant descriptive material but a tendency for repetition, digression or "waffle"; tendency to incoherence with weak structure, absence of logical development of argument; also perhaps evidence of some confusion, major mistakes, or poor written English. There is likely to be little reference to literature. Generally the essay functions at a low level in terms of understanding the question and how to answer it. Major inadequacies or omissions in referencing and bibliography. However there has to be enough of an answer to the question to distinguish this from the band below.

20-34% This is a bad fail. Little or no relevant knowledge, little or no reference to literature; an incoherent essay, very disorganised, with material irrelevant to question. Shows very limited or non-existent understanding of the question and how to answer it. Inappropriately brief answers may be placed in this band.

Marking Bands for Level 3 Examinations

80%-90% Outstanding work that demonstrates independent scholarship. The candidate has used a wide variety of sources in a thoroughly original manner.

Thus the candidate goes beyond an accurate recall of information to present an imaginative and innovative argument. The structure is almost faultless and recall of arguments nearly reaches a postgraduate level.

70-79% Excellent to outstanding work showing a breadth of knowledge, clear command and understanding of the issues. Evidence of independent thinking, a coherent argument, and accurate recall of material pertinent to the set questions. Answers, while not necessarily long, are nevertheless well-structured and demonstrate a thorough preparation of the chosen topic. For example, the candidate has drawn upon a wide range of sources and has managed to integrate material learnt from other related modules in an original manner.

60-69% Work that demonstrates a good understanding and precise recall of material. Overall the answer is clearly structured, and unrelated material is mostly avoided. Essays are intelligently written, and develop an argument. The candidate has obviously prepared for the subject and this is shown in the answer given. In addition the candidate has drawn upon a range wide of material as well as the standard textbooks. The answer fits the question.

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50-59% The candidate provides a competent answer which is, in the main, relevant to the question set. However it lacks some focus and breadth of reference to relevant material. This might be seen in inaccurate recall of material and a misunderstanding of some ideas. Argument may be weak or poorly structured. In addition some parts of the answer may be inadequately related to the question and may seem rushed and badly organised.

40-49% While the candidate shows some knowledge of the material, there are nonetheless serious weaknesses. Knowledge and understanding of the question is unsatisfactory, and in parts there is inaccurate recall. In addition the answer provided may be much too short, and there is a lack of depth, unfocused, and poorly organised. It may be evident that the candidate has not properly prepared the set topic, or that he/she is attempting to twist the question to fit his/her knowledge. The candidate may have missed significant aspects of the question but there should be sufficient use of little knowledge to address basic issues.

Pass mark is 40

35-39% Some very basic knowledge is evident, but with very little breadth of reference, extremely inaccurate recall, and/or significant misunderstanding. The answer may be confused and unstructured, and it may be clear that the candidate has stopped short of providing a clear understanding of the question.

20-34% Work which shows a thorough lack of clarity and understanding. Work is incompetently presented and largely disorganised. Inaccurate recall of information may also be present.

Marking criteria for dissertations

The marking criteria for dissertations is similar to that for third year essays. However, each marker will also take into account the scope and different approaches to dissertations and will mark for originality and outstanding independent scholarship.

80%-90% Outstanding work that demonstrates independent scholarship. An original research question that is well rooted in relevant debates. Excellent research skills that shows highly advanced selection, interpretation and analysis of evidence and an ability to relate this to complex theory and debates. Faultless structure and based on a wide variety sources in often with a degree of originality and presents an imaginative and innovative argument that demonstrates an excellent grasp and deployment of relevant concepts and theories. Comparable to postgraduate level.

70-79% An excellent and scholarly piece of work that shows a sophisticated selection, interpretation and analysis of evidence and a high level ability to relate this to theory and debates. A well structured, logical and fluent argument that is based on a good

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range of literature leading to an in-depth analytical conclusion. It should represent a critical and in-depth answer to the research question. There should be considerable powers of synthesis and commitment.

60-69% A dissertation that has a clear research question as well as a structured and clear line of argument and a developed understanding of concepts and theories. Analysis of evidence and data/research shows competent selection, interpretation and a reasonable attempt to relate this to theory. The answer should be broad or in-depth, reflecting considerable reading and awareness of differences between texts/authors, and criticisms of them. Detailed material generally connected well with the whole and a good argued conclusion.

50-59% Dissertation shows a sound understanding of relevant concepts, if generalized, descriptive or uneven at times; ability to interpret and analyse evidence in a systematic way. The writer should be able to compare/identify some strengths and weaknesses in available sources, a reasonable number of which have been consulted and write with some fluency. Accurate recitation of authors/texts, some evaluation attempted but only a basic grasp of theory. There is a clear overall structure to the essay, if poorly co-ordinated at times and a basic conclusion.

40-49% Dissertation lacks a clear research question, argument and critical analysis and is based on a limited use of sources and shows limited, partly inaccurate understanding and an over simplistic representation of relevant material. Structure is weak and may contain some mistakes on conceptual areas. As well as inadequate bibliography or weak written English.

Pass mark is 40

Fail 34-39% This mark indicates a fail. The dissertation shows little relevant knowledge or systematic research; no clear research question and a poorly organised discussion that fails to adequately address the question; no adequate reasoned conclusion. Some relevant descriptive material but a tendency for repetition, digression or "waffle"; tendency to incoherence with weak structure, absence of logical development of argument; also perhaps evidence of some confusion, major mistakes, or poor written English. There is likely to be little reference to literature.

20-34% This is a bad FAIL. Little or no relevant knowledge, little or no reference to literature; an incoherent dissertation, very disorganised, with material irrelevant to question. Shows very limited or non-existent understanding of the question and how to answer it. Inappropriately brief answers may be placed in this band.

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Markers are encouraged to use the full range of marks, in particular to ensure that excellent attempts are justly rewarded in comparison with lesser attempts.

Absent (i.e. AB)

This is where the candidate was absent from the exam, and has not submitted the required course work, or where there is a submitted exam paper, but there is no semblance of an answer – the student has written only their name or a few random scribbles, but there is no work worthy of assessment.

Annex III. Year Abroad / Year on Placement Arrangements

BA INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT - CONVERSION OF MARKS FOR THE SEMESTER ABROAD OPTION

Mark conversion for students at University of Ghana, Legon

The University of Ghana, Legon, gives students a module grade from A to D and a percentage mark. The range of marks within each grade band is broad (for example an A can represent any mark from 70 to 89%). We therefore convert marks using the percentages only.

Detailed research into the marks awarded at UGL shows that their marks are about ten points higher at the highest end, with 80% representing the equivalent of the Leeds border between a 1st and a 2.1, and at the lower end, with 60% representing the equivalent of the border between a 3rd and a 2.2. In the middle ranges, their marks are slightly less generous. 68% represents the equivalent of the Leeds border between a 2.2 and a 2.1.

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This is expressed in the mark translation table below:Ghana= Leeds

From 90 down to 80 – deduct 10

79=6978=6877=6776=6775=6674=6573=6472=6371=6270=6269=6168=6067=5966=5765=5664=5563=5462=5261=5160=50And thereafter deduct 10.

Each module mark is converted in this way for the five Minor Subject and Elective modules taken (if more “academic” modules are taken, only the best five are counted). The compulsory “culture” module is not counted.

The average of each student’s five module marks is then converted into a single Leeds mark, weighted at 60 credits for classification purposes.

Mark Conversion for students at Hong Kong Baptist University

One semester study in Hong Kong counts for credit purposes at Leeds: 15 Hong Kong Baptist University credits are equivalent to 60 Leeds credits. Grading equivalency has been calculated as follows:

HKBU system

Weighted GPA Honours Classification

3.40-4.00 First Class

3.00-3.39 Second Class (Division I)

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2.50-2.99 Second Class (Division II)

2.20-2.49 Third Class

2.00-2.19 Pass

Leeds equivalencies (full conversion table available on request):

3.40 703.20 65

3.00 602.75 552.50 502.20 402.00 30

The average of each student’s marks, is then converted into a single Leeds mark, weighted at 60 credits for classification purposes.

CREDIT TRANSFER FOR ERASMUS STUDENTS

For certain students undertaking a semester or a year abroad within a 3-year degree scheme, credits may be transferred from our ERASMUS European partner institutions through the European Credit Transfer System, so that their results from courses taken abroad can be included in calculating their final degree result. Experience has shown that the official ECTS equivalencies, used to convert marks or grades between different national systems, discriminate systematically against POLIS students, yielding much lower marks than the same students obtain at Leeds. We have therefore established the following equivalencies:

France/Belgium: Marks out of 20 are multiplied by 5 to give a % mark.Spain: Marks are converted according to the following table:

Spanish Grade Leeds mark Matricula de Honor

75

Sobresaliente 66Notable 62Aprobado 52

Germany: Marks are converted according to the following table:

German grade

German Mark Leeds Mark

Very good 1.0 80

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1.3 70Good 1.7 68

2.0 662.3 64

Fair 2.7 613.0 583.3 56

Pass 3.7 534.0 45

Similar tables will be developed for other countries as necessary.

STUDENTS TAKING A YEAR ABROAD AS PART OF A FOUR-YEAR DEGREE SCHEME (ERASMUS/WORLDWIDE)

There is normally no direct transfer of credits or marks/grades from the partner institution. However, students are required to pass the year abroad in order for the year abroad to be recognised in their degree title and transcript. The pass is based on receiving satisfactory reports on attendance and course performance from the partner institution.

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