Instructions & Rubric – PLSC 337-02: The American Legal System

Blog Post Instructions

You will be required to complete one blog post and one commenting post for your assigned cases. For whichever cases you are assigned (see attached schedule), you will write a blog post (approximately 400-500 words) that will quickly summarize the case you are assigned. You will then choose one aspect of that topic (it does not have to have been mentioned explicitly in the readings or class discussion) and evaluate the Court opinion, assertions, and arguments. You should provide your standard for evaluation, evidence to support your point, and (possibly) your opinion on whether the Court decided the case appropriately (was there something they did not consider, what are the policy implications, and so on).

For example if you are writing about a Supreme Court case, you can discuss the implications of the decision, or whether or not your agreed with the majority’s reasoning and why, you could also link a Court opinion to other readings, new articles, class discussion, or current events (really, you can be creative). You are also free to pose questions to the commenters.

Blog Posting Due Dates: Your blog posts should be posted two days before the day off the assigned readings by 5:00 pm. For example if you are schedule to post on readings for 03/14 your post should be on the web blog by 5:00 pm on 03/12. See info below:

For readings scheduled on Tuesday, 03/14 you need to post by Sunday, 03/12, 5:00 pm.
For readings scheduled on Thursday, 03/16 you need to post by Tuesday, 03/14, 5:00 pm.
For readings scheduled on Tuesday, 03/21 you need to post by Sunday, 03/19, 5:00 pm.
For readings scheduled on Thursday, 03/23 you need to post by Tuesday, 03/21, 5:00 pm.
For readings scheduled on Tuesday, 03/28 you need to post by Sunday, 03/26, 5:00 pm.

All those not assigned to post a blog will be required to comment on one (1) of the posted blogs (see attached schedule). These comments are not simply ‘good job’ or ‘you’re wrong’ but should critically examine the poster’s standard of evaluation, argument/evidence, and/or suggestions for improvement. Do you agree (or disagree) with the poster and why? What assumptions does the poster make, and so on. Comments should be at least a full paragraph. More thorough and insightful comments will receive better scores.

Comments should be posted the day before the scheduled reading by 5:00 pm. For example, if you are commenting on post that discusses the reading scheduled for 03/14 your comments should be posted by Monday, 03/13 by 5:00 pm. See info below:

For readings scheduled on Tuesday, 03/14 you need to post by Monday, 03/13, 5:00 pm.
For readings scheduled on Thursday, 03/16 you need to post by Wednesday, 03/15, 5:00 pm.
For readings scheduled on Tuesday, 03/21 you need to post by Monday, 03/20, 5:00 pm.
For readings scheduled on Thursday, 03/23 you need to post by Wednesday, 03/22, 5:00 pm.
For readings scheduled on Tuesday, 03/28 you need to post by Monday, 03/25, 5:00 pm.

Grading of Blog Posts and Comments:

Grading information for the blog posts and comment posts is outlined below. Blog posts are each worth 60 points and the comment post is worth 40 points for total of 100 points.

Blog points Comment Points

A +/- (54 – 60 points) / (36 – 40 points)
Post poses a question or a new idea that coherently integrates examples with evidence and critical analysis; writer demonstrates awareness of limitations or implications of the posed standard of evaluation, question, or idea. The post reflects in-depth engagement and understanding of the subject.

B +/- (48 – 53 points) / (32 – 35 points)
Post asks a question or presents an interesting standard of evaluation and assesses it with appropriate evidence or critical analysis; post demonstrates critical thinking skills, identification of underlying assumptions, and evidence evaluation. The post reflects good engagement with the subject.

C +/- (42 – 47 points) / (28 – 31 points)

Post is reasonably focused; with a somewhat clear standard of evaluation that is well described however, may not be particularly groundbreaking or innovative; evidence or critical analysis presented may not fit the standard well or relies heavily on secondary analysis (like editorials); no alternative answers or explanations are considered. The post reflects moderate engagement with the topic.

D +/- (36 – 41 points) / (24 – 27 points)

The post lacks a clear standard of evaluation, features poor analysis, evidence is descriptive; few connections are made between ideas. The post reflects passing engagement with the topic.

F (0 – 35 points) / (0 – 23 points)

Post is unfocused, or simply rehashes previous comments, and displays little evidence of engagement with the topic.

Extra Credit Opportunity (optional):

Because you may find that you want to comment on a post that is not your “scheduled” day you may earn up to five points in extra credit for one additional comment post. The extra credit comment needs to be on a case you are not assigned to as a blog poster and/or commenter. You must post the comment the day before the scheduled reading (as outlined above) and send me an email letting me know that you are submitting an extra credit comment post (be sure to indicate the post you are commenting on).