Marc David Turetzky

Political Science 1

MW, 810-930. Fall 2009

 

EXAM I REVIEW

Exam I is scheduled for W, 9/30. It will be an in-class, closed-book, full-period test worth 10% of your overall course grade. This exam consists of approximately 30 multiple choice questions. All you need to bring is a pencil AND a scantron (the long green one/Form #882-ES). I provide the exam.

 

The exam covers the following subjects and readings (don't forget the video/discussion in class worksheets!):

 

Topic

Reading (Dye)-

Online Lectures

 

MC Questions

What is Politics/Democracy?

Ch 1; Lecs 1-2

10

Political Ideology

Ch 2 (pp43-53); Lec 3

10

The Constitution/Federalism

Ch 3 (all) & Ch 4 (pp104-108);

Lecs 5-7

10

Civil Rights & Liberties

Chs 14-15 (skim); Lecs 8-9

10

Campaigns & Elections

Ch 8; Lecs 13-14

10

 

Note: You are expected to know the information covered in the class (lectures, videos, discussions), in my online lectures, AND in the course readings. On the positive side, there is a lot of overlap between the readings, class discussions, and the online lectures.

 

Exam Questions

MULTIPLE CHOICE. 50 Questions @ 2 points each = 100 total. Questions will be drawn from our course textbook, from the class lectures, discussions/video worksheets, and online assignments.

Test Taking Tips

  1. For multiple choice questions, read the question carefully and then select the most logical answer. If you don’t know the answer, at the very least eliminate the answers that obviously don’t fit and then make your best guess amongst those answers remaining. On the concept section of the test, more is better than less. For short answer questions, one-word examples and single word synonyms will NOT suffice—they do not tell me if you understand the concept.
  2. Make sure to read all the online lectures that from “What is Politics” through “Campaigns and Elections.” Read through your answers to the video/discussion response worksheets. Read the appropriate chapters in the Dye and Sparrow textbook with an eye towards understanding the key concepts that he bolds in the margins.
  3. I would personally advise creating a list of those concepts (“politics”, “democracy”, “delegate”, “pluralism”, “elitism” and so on) on 3 x 5 cards or on paper. I used to go back and rewrite my lecture notes into skeletal outlines of JUST the pertinent information. It helped me to narrow down, simplify, and organize my thoughts.
  4. Good luck. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail (mturetzky@gavilan.edu), call me at work (848-4704) or stop by my office (SS107).