Return-Path: sendmail 8.6.4/UCSD-2.2-sun Mon, 6 Dec 1993 10:47:21 -0800 for socgrad-list Mon, 6 Dec 1993 10:47:17 -0800 for Date: Mon, 06 Dec 93 13:52 EST From: "Pamela M Paxton" To: socgrad@UCSD.EDU Subject: prelims from memory I personally see some value in 8 hour memory exams. UNC has a prelim exam system which sounds quite similar to that at Notre Dame... We have a number of areas to choose from. You choose two, get the reading list, have old exams to look over and take a blind, 8 hour, from-memory exam. Its the from-memory part that is tricky to defend. I personally think it is a good idea since besides being 'scholars,' we are 'presenters.' Let me explain... In a classroom situation, or advising someone from another discipline, you are presenting a certain 'knowledge' of Sociology. If the person asks you some questions about your area of interest an you can not give some quick summaries and cites (on the spot) then you are not usefully 'presenting' Sociology. Granted, you can always go back and type up a list of cites for the individual but that is not always what is looked for. The question may be in passing or the questioner may only want one or two top cites. You may argue that you would automatically know these cites since you do work in the area. But why not know more than just the cites you have used in your own work? This is only one postive reason to make the exams 'from memory. I personally want to make sure that I know two particualar subjects COLD - meaning I can answer most questions about them ON THE SPOT. Only then will I feel comfortable 'presenting' myself as an acedemic to the public. I must present my own bias here -- I have NOT actually TAKEN the prelims yet. So some of you may smugly tell me I have no clue. This is just my opinion on the value of memory exams -- if nothing else, you do learn the stuff! Pam Paxton UPAMMP@unc.oit.unc.edu