Sociology 101
Introduction to Sociology
Spring 2002
Dr. Scott SchafferFinal Examination Prep Sheet
On the Exam: The exam will take place as listed in the class schedule - for the 10am section, it's Weds May 8/2002 from 245pm to 445pm; for the 1pm section, it's Fri May 10/2002 from 1015am to 1215pm. The exam will be cumulative, and it will consist of 60 multiple-choice questions and three in-class essays. No books or notes will be allowed, and you must bring a number 2 pencil in order to fill out the scantron sheet and two blue books for the essay questions. Your portfolio is due on the day of the final exam as well; be sure to bring it in order to get into the exam.
Reviewing for the Exam:
As I've said in class, there are four things you should go over to prepare for the exam:
1. Know the concepts and how they relate to one another, both within and across chapters.
2. Know the theoretical perspectives and how you would talk about the concepts from those theoretical perspectives (or, to put it another way, how each theoretical perspective would look at the concepts).
3. Know how each concept would work at the different levels of analysis (macro, meso, micro).
4. Know the sociological imagination and how you would use the sociological imagination to look at society, social problems, and individuals.
On the reverse side of this sheet, I've tried to map out one way in which you could put this all together on note cards, a review sheet, or however you prefer to do it.
You should also go over each of the readings in the green Newman book; there will be questions regarding those essays, ranging from the main argument in each to how certain concepts work in those articles. Know how the concepts in the textbook are operating in the articles in the green Newman book.
Go over your previous midterm exams to figure out the kinds of questions you've missed on those exams and work on improving your ability to respond to those kinds of questions. Also, be sure to go over the practice questions on the course web site.
Finally, take a look at your lecture notes (what you might have of them) - I know that sometimes, it seems as if my lectures are a bit roundabout, but if you've been keeping track of how I go through the development of the examples, you'll be in good stead for the exam.
Essay Questions
The final exam will require you to respond to 3 essay questions, which will constitute 40% of your exam grade. You will be presented with five essay questions on the exam; one of these will be required of everyone, and you will pick one each from the remaining two pairs. The questions that will appear on the exam are presented below; it is strongly suggested that you prepare outlines or complete responses to these questions so that you're ready for them on exam day.
For each of the essays, you should be sure to do the following:
Give a clear and direct response to the question or questions posed;
Utilize whatever conceptual and/or evidentiary materials you have at your disposal to support your response to the question(s);
Write as clearly and simply as possible.
The directions that will appear on the exam will be similar to those given on the take-home essay questions. They will clearly specify which questions you'll be required to choose from for your responses.
The questions
You will be required to respond one of to the following questions.
What are the three most important reasons for developing the sociological imagination, and why? What benefits or consequences of having the sociological imagination do you see for yourself and the larger society, and why?
Using the sociological imagination, describe the path of your life as you know it now in terms of larger social forces. What one social or sociological problem discussed this semester do you think you will have the most (beneficial or detrimental) impact on, and how would you have this impact?
Choose one of the following questions for your response from this set.
To your mind (and drawing on the readings for the course), what are the most important causes of social change in our society? Why is it important to understand why groups want to see forms of social change?
From both a functionalist and a conflict perspective, analyze the way in which American society treats immigrants? Which perspective do you think best characterizes American attitudes toward immigrants today, and why?
From both a functionalist and a conflict perspective, analyze the way in which American society handles debates about abortion and reproductive rights. Which perspective do you think best characterizes the current state of reproductive rights, and why?
Choose one of the following questions for your response from this set.
Explain how it is that your decision to attend Millersville University was influenced by larger social forces. Using the sociological imagination, what would you see as the greatest social impact (to both you and society) of that decision, and why?
Explain how it is that your perspective on romantic and sexual relationships was influenced by larger social forces. Using the sociological imagination, what would you see as the greatest social impact (to both you and society) of this perspective, and why?
What is the function of ideology in society? How would you characterize the "American ideology," and do you think it is beneficial or detrimental for Americans and other people around the world? Why?
What is the one thing discussed in this course that has most strongly impacted on how you understand the world, and why? Do you think the impact of that issue will change how you live your life? How and why?