The JOUR50 final exam will be held at the usual class time on Wednesday, December 6. The exam will run from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. You will have the entire class period to complete the exam, though you may not need that long. As with the midterm, the final exam will consist of three parts -- multiple choice, identifications, and short answers. You only need to bring a pen or pencil. You will write answers directly on the exam sheet.
You are responsible for Navigating the News, Chapters 8-18, and all material covered in lecture.
Points stressed both in lecture and readings are generally more likely to appear on the exam than those mentioned only in readings. Points only from lecture probably fall somewhere in the middle.
There will be 100 points total on the exam, which will be divided among three parts. Multiple choice (20 points -- you will be given 12 questions to choose from and will answer 10); identifications (30 points -- again, you will be given 12 questions to choose from and will answer 10 by filling in the blank in each question) and short answer (50 points -- you will be given six questions to choose from and will answer five). Short answers should run about four to six sentences in length, though this will vary from question to question.
Below are some example questions of each type. Their presence does not necessarily mean they will or will not be on the exam; they are intended only as examples.
I. Multiple Choice: (Choose only one unless otherwise noted):
1. According to class discussion, elements such as puzzles, comics and games in news outlets are referred to as ___________.
a. features
b. sidelights
c. diversions
d. the 'toy department'
e. none of the above2. For many years, U.S. news coverage of unfamiliar parts of the world has tended to rely too much on ___________.
a. free-lance reporting
b. local sources
c. camera crews
d. stereotypes
e. none of the above3. According to Chapter 12 of the book, ___________ reporting can involve techniques including finding whistleblowers, going straight to the source, obtaining documents and analyzing data.
a. international
b. investigative
c. team-oriented
d. science
e. none of the above
II. Identifications: (Fill in each blank space with a word or phrase.)1. According to the textbook, journalists can sometimes confuse causation with ___________.
2. In class we discussed the concept of ___________, where people are similar in upbringing, culture or ethnic background.
3. According to Chapter 10 of the textbook, ___________ journalism has always been controversial.
III. Short Answer: (Space will be provided to write answers.)
1. Discuss how U.S. news coverage of a 'familiar' country might differ from that of an 'unfamiliar' one. Why might news from a country in one region of the world be approached differently than from a country in another region? Please back up your statements with examples from the text and lectures.
2. Provide examples of at least two important environmental news issues, and discuss how you believe journalists should approach covering them. Try to use some of the terms and concepts we've covered in class.
3. What are some of the ways you believe people can become more discerning news consumers? Do you think that average people are willing or able to adjust their habits to more effectively understand what's going on in the world? Why or why not?
GOOD LUCK !