Fall 2008 University of Houston
Study Sheet for Mid-term Exam #1. READ THIS VERY CAREFULLY!
For the in-class exam on Thurs. Oct. 2, you will answer approximately 25 multiple-choice questions, 3-5 identification questions, and one essay question. BRING YOUR UH ID, SEVERAL #2 PENCILS, and a PEN. We will provide Scantron forms and blue exam booklets. This will be a CLOSED BOOK exam. You will NOT be able to use outlines, notes, or other written materials (or cell phones or other electronic devices!) during the exam. Try to arrive a few minutes early in order to get settled and gather your thoughts before the exam begins. This is also a courtesy to your classmates, who will appreciate not being interrupted by late arrivals.
Although the exam has been postponed because of Ike, it will still cover the same material suggested on on the original syllabus, in other words, lectures and readings from the first day of class up to but not including World War I (WWI terms and textbook chapter 19 will be tested on the second midterm). Out of a total of 60 points, the multiple-choice and short-answer sections will be worth approximately 35-40 points, and the essay will be worth 20-25 points. The multiple-choice and identification questions will be similar to those on the online practice test; you will have some choice on identification questions (i.e. identify 3 out of 5 terms, or 4 out of 6). Identifications will be from terms on lecture outlines and study guides.
Essay Topics:
These will be broad questions, and you will have only about 25-30 minutes to write your essay. Since the essay will count for at least a third of the exam, think hard in advance about these topics. The exam will give you a choice between two essay questions, so you can safely skip preparation for one of the topics. DO NOT use outside materials to study; you will be evaluated on your mastery of lectures and assigned readings for this course (see lecture outlines and study guides). Answer ALL PARTS of the question.
1) Late in the 19th century, workers and farmers each organized to demand certain changes. What caused these movements to emerge when they did, who were some important groups or individuals involved, what were their goals, and did they achieve them? You may discuss each group separately (you must discuss them both), but your answer should compare and contrast these movements at least briefly. Draw on lectures and the textbook..
2) Explain how and why the U.S. annexed the Philippines. What were the background circumstances, what arguments were made by whom for and against annexation, and what was the outcome? Was this outcome historically inevitable, in your view? Use the Reader selections on this topic, as well as material from the textbook and lecture.
3) During the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, African-Americans and women were, in different ways, excluded from full participation in American political, economic, and social life. From each group, diverse leaders emerged to offer a range of proposals in pursuit of equality. Describe and EVALUATE these early black civil rights and women's movements, noting differences within each movement. You may discuss each group separately (you must discuss them both), but your answer should compare and contrast these movements at least briefly. (You must draw on the Reader assignments on Washington, DuBois, and Wells-Barnett and on woman suffrage, as well as pertinent textbook reading and lectures.)
5) What was the "first sexual revolution"? Why did it happen when and where it did? Draw on the Reader selections on this topic, and try to integrate material from the textbook and/or lectures as well.
Suggestions for studying:
Look over the syllabus and remind yourself of what we have covered. Gather all books, Reader study guides (online), and lecture notes. You may study in groups, but your work on the actual exam must be your own.
Review readings and lecture notes, with special attention to lecture outlines and lists of terms (don't forget terms from the online Reader study guides). Don't try to memorize every detail. Instead, ask yourself, what were the main points of each lecture, and what examples best illustrate those points? What was the main significance of each term? What were the main issues raised in each Reader assignment (use the study guide questions)? In the textbook, pay special attention to items from the list of terms provided with lecture outlines.
As you review, jot down ideas and examples for the possible essay questions. Make a timeline of major events/examples for each topic, and think about what conclusions you draw about the topic from that evidence. Make sure to demonstrate your familiarity with pertinent examples from lectures, the textbook AND the Reader.
--TAKE THE ONLINE PRACTICE TEST!
--SEE A TEACHING ASSISTANT IF YOU NEED HELP!
Suggestions for test-taking:
get enough sleep and eat a good meal
arrive early
read instructions and budget your time carefully
on multiple-choice, read every choice carefully and leave no blanks
on identifications, make sure to include the significance of the term
on essays, make sure to have a clear and specific thesis statement
on essays, keep the "b.s." to a minimum! think hard and be specific; use lecture
terms as building blocks
use the entire exam time; recheck your answers
DO NOT CHEAT! it Is wrong and unfair to your classmates, and penalties are severe