Mid-term Essay Study Questions - Fall, 2014
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Mid-term examination - Friday, Oct 17

The sample essay questions below as well as your reading/seminar notes, and the introduction, focus questions and key words preceding each assigned reading in the text should be studied for the mid-term exam. Information associated with each reading in the SET text will help you prepare for the mid-term.

Both information obtained from readings and seminars will be included in the exam in either the multiple choice or short answer types of questions in addition to the two categories of essays described below.

A SUGGESTION TO CONSIDER - In previous semesters some students have formed STUDY GROUPS  to help them prepare for reading quizzes, the mid-term and as well as the final exam. You should consider doing that with some of your classmates. By working together sharing information and ideas, you will be better prepared for the examinations.

The answers to the sample questions below as well as those to the multiple choice and short answer questions will be based on the materials mentioned above.

Unlike reading quizzes, NOTES CANNOT BE USED when taking the mid-term examination.

Items marked "CE" designate longer, critical essay questions and those marked "SE" indicate short essay items. However items marked "CE" might appear on the mid-term exam as a short essay instead of a critical essay but not the other way around. 

In addition to the essay questions, there will also be multiple-choice and short-answer items. The short-answer items will be similar to the "reading quiz" questions.

You should review your class and reading notes as well as the "focus questions" associated with each assigned reading in order to prepare.

If you have any questions, contact me at  edelbach@tcnj.edu


Sample Essay Questions - Either a "Short Essay"  ( SE )    or   "Critical Essay"  ( CE )

Unit 1 - Introduction & Historical Perspectives -

1-1. In chronological order, discuss the first THREE MAJOR technological revolutions/eras, approximately
        when they occurred, the technology critical to each, and how they influenced life at that time.     CE

1-2. Discuss the technological revolution which is considered to have been the PRIMARY factor
        leading to the initial formation of cities, describe TWO CRITICAL systems required to support
        large groups, and TWO KEY risks associated with living in close proximity.    CE

1-3. Which of the major technological systems developed between 1870 and 1920 in the U.S. are still
       dominant in today's world?  Discuss TWO key concerns related to how TWO of them are impacting
       us today?  CE

1-4 Discuss the technological era we are living today as well as the one many believe is on the horizon.     SE

1-5. Discuss how tools extend one's capabilities and the stages through which both animals and humans
        went in developing this technology.    SE

Unit 2 – Social Perspectives -

2-1. Briefly explain the theories of "social contructionism" and "technology
determinism. How much influence do you feel each exerts on your life?     SE 

2-2. Discuss how and why the Amish control technology. How do they decide whether to use or reject a new technology?    To what extent do you believe they have been successful doing that? What are the
PRIMARY external pressures impacting their lives and how have they adjusted to change?     CE

2-3. Explain TWO KEY reasons believed to account for the fact that inventions in some societies
flourished while in others they did not.  Give an example of one country or area associated with
each situation.     SE

2-4. Describe ONE characteristic of each stage through which Marx felt societies developed, in chronological
order, beginning with family groups.     CE

Unit 3 – Ethical Perspectives –

3-1. Name and describe the TWO MAJOR ethical theories and the TWO PRIMARY sub-categories
under each.     CE

3-2. Name and describe the THREE LEVELS of moral responses in order of their rigor, giving one
example of each.    SE

3-3. Identify TWO KEY REASONS why "TRADITIONAL" ethics might no longer be adequate
for today's world. How important do you think it is that we adopt new values as a result
of these changes?     CE

3-4. Describe and briefly discuss TWO historical sources of moral codes and their interaction.      SE

3-5. Identify and discuss TWO examples of "moral" and "non-moral" reasons for deciding to take
some action.     SE