A's are reserved for excellent, superior work, that is often original, and well-expressed. A students always come to class, participate in class discussions and keep up with the reading as well as asking questions of it. A work demonstrates intellectual curiosity and initiative. Generally, students earn B's by being prepared for class and participating in discussion. B writing while being free of mechanical errors may demonstrate less complexity of thought and analysis than A work, even while offering a degree of originality and insight.
C work reflects the average ability of university level students.
Students earn C's by completing all the requirements of the course. They come to class, accomplish the reading, and turn in competently written assignments. Often they participate in discussion. They are developing skill in engaging intellectually with written material and learning to ask questions of it. C papers probably contain less that is insightful or original than A or B papers.