FAQ for the Midterm

This document is intended to provide some information that may help you prepare for the midterm exam, scheduled for 8:00 a.m. on Monday, 8 March 2004.

Is the midterm open-book or closed book?

The midterm is closed book, mostly closed notes, open mind. You may, however, bring one 8.5 x 11 inch double-sided handwritten sheet of notes. You must turn that sheet in with your midterm.

Will the midterm ask factual memorization questions, such as What is the primary thesis of Wendell Berry's article?

Probably not.

Will the midterm require long essay questions?

Probably not.

What kinds of questions will the midterm have on it?

(1) Multiple choice, such as Which of the following was not a thesis about technology we discussed in the first half of this semester? or Which of the following technologies is least like the others? (2) Short answer, such as Summarize the strengths and weaknesses of the following voting technology, Pick a technology and show how it relates to some selected thesis, and Pick a thesis about technology and show how it relates to this particular technology. (3) Nasty open ended questions, such as Write your own multiple-choice question and answer it. I also reserve the right to include other kinds of questions.

You haven't written the midterm yet, have you?

Well ... I've designed the general structure, but I have not yet settled on all the particulars.

Will I be able to finish the midterm in fifty minutes?

I hope so.

Can I start before 8:00 a.m.?

No.

Can I keep working after 8:50 a.m.?

Not unless you've made appropriate prior arrangements.

Do I have to spell correctly and follow rules of grammar?

Yes.

What if I miss the midterm? For example, what if I sleep through the midterm?

You receive a zero on the midterm. Since the midterm is 20% of your grade, you will most likely receive a C or below in the class.

What if I'm really, really sick?

We'll talk about it when you get better, but I won't guarantee anything. If you're starting to feel sick now, you should consider missing Disco.

What if I have a question not answered on this FAQ?

If the question is relevant to the midterm or the class, try emailing it to me.