Return-Path: sendmail 8.6.4/UCSD-2.2-sun Mon, 6 Dec 1993 11:37:17 -0800 for socgrad-list Mon, 6 Dec 1993 11:37:15 -0800 for To: socgrad@UCSD.EDU Subject: Prelims Date: Mon, 06 Dec 93 11:37:11 -0800 From: bigdog@nevada.edu Here at UNLV we just changed from the memory exam format to a take home (48 hour exam). The quality of the exams went up. We are allowed to take these exams after 9 hours in methods and 9 in theory. After that we take special area exams in those areas of our interest. Total 4 exams. About two years of work. Is the 48 hour exam better? I voted for it and was the first to do them here. Not fun. 8 hours of hell vs. 48 w/notes to refer to. Even if you have the info down cold you can't get a deep into a subject in 8 hours, but the expectation of answers rises with a 48 hour exam. FOR me If I was running the department I would insist that the reading list be current and that the three classes (9hours) test the reading list knowledge. In that manner no comp would be needed. Special areas would be semester long prep for a classroom teaching assignment. Then the person would be given the chance to teach that class. This is more reasonable to ME. Digdoggin' after passing his two comps this last month! Dave aka bigdog