Sources used creatively and imaginatively; sources required travel and/or hard work to collect (e.g. interviews, archival material); sources have not been seriously explored before; sources, including visual evidence, well integrated into thesis arguments. Student thoroughly pursued all suggestions and potential areas of research. Exhibits originality and expertise in making new arguments based on thoughtful and thorough primary research. Research problem contributes to the field of visual studies in a meaningful way; its significance and relation to the field are well articulated.

Competence in the following areas:

• Thesis (strength, clarity, and originality)
• Argumentation (sophistication of strategies, kinds of evidence marshaled, deployment of theory, use of quotation/paraphrasing/citation )
• Composition (prioritization of ideas, transitions, overall structure and flow of the essay, etc.)
• Style (polish, pacing, poetics)
• Mechanics (grammar, punctuation, proofreading, footnote/endnote formats, bibliographic coherence)
• Effectiveness of the Intro and Conclusion
• Drafts and Revisions

Delivers presentation in a professional and well rehearsed manner; engages audience visually via eye contact and gesture; relies on well conceived visual material to make points; rises to challenges of the Q&A with confidence and engages productively with committee feedback.

Subject situated within a complex historical landscape.

Demonstrates awareness of the scholarly works that constitute the specialized literature and identifies their positions. Engages in a dialogue with key scholars.

Methodological framework sound; theoretical references appropriate; theory introduced proficiently, applied consistently, and fully integrated into the argument.

Argues convincingly through use of aptly chosen examples; provides a fully elaborated analysis.

Recognizes the modes of argumentation and forms of evidence contributing to the production of textual meaning.

Engages with practices, scholarship, and critical frameworks characterizing a range of disciplines.

Analyzes cultural problems in relation to ethical principles, formulates strategies and questions that demonstrate an awareness of ethical options and impacts.

Discusses cultural power dynamics in relation to a specific object/event/site/project and addresses the broader implications of power differentials and/or socially constructed norms.

Respects deadlines for submitting work; has good research habits and documentation practices; prepares for meetings and shows up on time for engagements.

Initiates collaborative projects; thinks critically about the implications of this mode of practice; works with others to build community, enhance the collective experience, and/or achieve a common goal.