SOC 10/23

Exam Overview

  • Format:

    • Multiple choice questions

    • One short answer question

    • No need to bring a blue book; paper will be provided

    • Only need to bring pen or pencil

  • Short Answer Guidelines:

    • No need for formal writing structure

    • Content is assessed more than spelling or grammar

    • Focus on showing understanding of material

    • Instructor aims to provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate learning

Exam Structure and Expectations

  • Question Types:

    • Approximately 10-15 matching questions

    • Approximately 20-30 multiple choice questions

    • One short answer question (students choose between two questions)

  • Points Breakdown:

    • Matching and multiple choice questions typically worth around 2 points each

    • Total exam score will be out of 100 points

    • Balance of points will ensure fair distribution between question types

Class Logistics

  • Class Size & Exam Location:

    • Approximately 300 students bisecting a class of 515-520

    • Exam will be taken in the usual classroom, not in smaller sections

Approach to Assessment

  • Instructor's Goal:

    • Assess the effectiveness of teaching methods based on student performance

    • Adjust teaching strategy if a majority of students perform poorly

  • Consultation on Questions:

    • Instructor acknowledges the challenge of crafting fair and clear questions

    • Plans to allow students to choose between two provided answers for a short answer question to alleviate pressure

Content Review Before Midterm

  • Preparation Guidance:

    • Instructor does not provide a study guide as creating one is considered an effective study method

    • Students are encouraged to synthesize their own study materials to reinforce learning

    • Reading assignments will include culture chapters and possibly mass shooting research

Cultural Concepts in Exam Content

  • Critical Terms and Theories:

    • C. Wright Mills - Sociological Imagination

    • Definition: The ability to see the relationship between individual experiences and larger social influences

    • Important for students to apply this term in context rather than just memorizing its origin

  • Life Expectancy and Gender Differences:

    • Observations on Gender and Life Expectancy:

    • Women generally live longer than men not solely due to biological factors, but also social behaviors and cultural norms

    • Factors influencing this trend include:

      • Risk-taking behaviors prevalent among men

      • Occupational hazards linked to dangerous jobs held mostly by men

      • Different health-seeking behaviors between genders

      • Institutionalized medical checkups more common among women

The Impact of COVID-19 on Life Expectancy

  • Illustrates how the following factors have contributed to disparities:

    • Existing Healthcare Inequality: Access to care varied significantly by race and socioeconomic status

    • Specific groups (e.g., Black, American Indian, Alaska Native) disproportionately impacted

Cultural Hierarchies in Society

  • Distinction Between Culture and Society:

    • Society: A group living in a specific territory with a distinct identity

    • Culture: Encompasses beliefs, values, norms, and practices shared by this society, influencing what is considered normal

  • Cultural Universals:

    • Values or behaviors common to all human cultures (e.g., language, art, gift-giving).

Language as a Cultural Tool

  • Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis:

    • The premise that language shapes thought; without a