COMP 380-003 Computers
& Society Spring 2008
EXAMS
WHAT TO BRING:
- your laptop
- a
power cord
- a USB memory key if you don't have
wireless
access in our classroom
- your own crib sheet
(explained below)
with your name printed on each page.
- bring paper and pen or pencil, just in
case
No cell
phones, no
calculators (low tech calculator at front table for midterm), no notes
(other than your crib sheet).
DATES:
Midterm and Final Exam dates are included on The Plan.
Final
exam dates are set by the University and
cannot be changed.
HOW TO STUDY:
If I were preparing to take an exam in
COMP 380, I would make sure that I prepared my crib sheet meticulously
so that it would include a section for each and every topic (lecture #)
covered on the forthcoming exam (see Coverage & Format,
below). Within each lecture's allotted space, I'd include the
best parts of the copious notes I took during class. And for each
and every reading, I'd include all the important things that I
highlighted
when I read it the first time; and I'd read each of them through again
to be sure I didn't miss anything critical. Finally and most importantly, I'd try to
see how all of the related concepts & ideas are starting to fit
together. Doing all that would give me the confidence to
know
that I've actually learned something and that I'll be able to add
solid and relevant details
from the appropriate articles in order to support every answer I give
(esp. the written essays) on the exam. I'd realize that my
prof is going to expect good work because she's allowing me a crib
sheet so that I can come in armed w/details.
But that's only if I
were taking the exam. :)
CRIB SHEET: (a/k/a Study sheet):
You may
bring one crib sheet to the midterm exam, and two to the final
exam:
One crib sheet consists of a single
8.5" x 11" page printed
on two sides; or two sheets
of paper with only one side printed on
each.
For the crib sheet: you may write, print, xerox, or
type anything from the readings, class notes, etc. Prepare your
own--the learning and understanding come during the creation
efforts (trust me on this). Preparing it with one or two of your
classmates is fine,
but you should participate fully.
Put your NAME on the top of each page. You will be asked to turn
it in, although it will NOT be used for grading purposes.
COVERAGE & FORMAT:
Exams
will include material from lectures, discussions, guest speakers,
readings, videos, movies, and any other course experience.
There will be some CHOICE given in terms of which questions you will
answer, so be sure to read the exam instructions on the cover page very
CAREFULLY.
MIDTERM
on 3 March will cover:
- TIME: Designed to
be completed in about 60 minutes.
- The EXAM PACKET will be
distributed at the start of class, and is to be turned in with your
CRIB SHEET before you leave.
- QUESTIONS: Questions
will be short and long essay types. The long essays are expected
to be well organized and structured. The short answers are
looking for content and can be answered in any form including lists
when applicable.
- CONTENT: The midterms will cover
- Easily Identifiable Risks
- Ethics
- How Computers Work
- Reliability
- The following topics will be covered on the Final:
Politics, Security, Internet nd e-voting, RFIDs
FROM A TYPICAL EXAM COVER SHEET:
You will have 75 minutes in which to
complete the exam.
Note the suggested TIMES and
WEIGHT factors included!
Read each question carefully. Address the
issues in the question as specifically and completely
as possible, providing supporting details &
examples from class and from the readings whenever
possible.
--Do
not waste time repeating the question in your answer.
For
the exams, I’m far more interested in content
and detail than in grammar and
spelling.
--Answer each question as it is asked—not what
you hoped I was going to
ask.
--If you’re writing your answers, be careful
with handwriting! Unintelligible scrawls
are often misinterpreted and turn me into a total grump¾you do not
want a grump grading your exam.
GRADING:
Grading
for each question will depend on how much relevant DETAIL you include
from the
class lectures/discussions/presentations/speakers/and the
readings.
MAKEUP EXAMS
If you must miss the midterm for a
very pressing reason, you must notify the course
instructor prior to
the exam date and as far in advance as possible.