Midterm Study Guide

FORMAT: The midterm examination will consist of three parts. Examinations should be written in ink. You will have 1 hour 15 minutes to complete the test. The midterm is on 17 March 2009.

PART I: You will be asked to answer 5 of 7 of the following questions pulled from lecture and discussion about the readings. The best way to prepare is to be able to answer ALL of these questions. (10 points each; 50 points total)

1. What does Prof. Sayegh mean when she talks about historians "getting their facts straight"? Provide a brief example from one of your readings in Davidson and Lytle.
2. What are primary and secondary sources and how do historians use them?
3. Explain the significance of and problem with the chapter title "The Mirror with a Memory."
4. According to Professor Sayegh, what are the different functions of interpretation?
5. Briefly explain the four ways to deal with counterarguments.
6. What are the differences between the cottage industry and the putting-out system?
7. Using the example of Martin Luther, explain the importance of context, intended audience and actual audience.
8. What is social commentary and how can it be used for critical thinking?
9. Given the evidence provided in lecture, refute the assumption that President Hoover ignored the problems of the Great Depression.
10. Briefly explain causes of the Great Depression.
11. What is the "Means Test" and what are its effects, according to Orwell?
12. What is the difference between gender and sex?
13. Define the either / or fallacy and provide a brief example.
14. Define the ad hominem fallacy and provide a brief example.
15. Using the Declaration of Independence as a guide, explain the requisite parts of an argument.
16. Explain four factors that led to a resurgence in nativism around the time of the Sacco & Vanzetti trial.
17. Explain the role of mutualistas and kenjinkai as described in "Dust Bowl Odyssey."
18. Using the Declaration of Independence as a model, explain how the use of emotion is not necessarily a logical fallacy.

PART II: In this portion of the examination, I will provide pictures or song lyrics that you have encountered in this course. I will provide two pictures or two song lyrics and you will be required to answer one of them. In your answers, you are to critically analyze the source and explain its meaning, its context and examine the argument it tries to put forth. This is an exercise designed to test your skills in understanding historical evidence and explanation. (25 points)

PART III: In this portion of the examination, I will provide a brief excerpt from Orwell's The Road to Wigan Pier. I will provide two excerpts and you will be required to address one of them. In this response, you need to critically analyze the passage and explain its meaning, its context and examine the argument it puts forth. This is an exercise designed to test your skills in understanding historical evidence and explanation. A good way to study for this is to think about the questions from the group exercise: at what points does he move away from description and more toward argument? (25 points)