How to write a home exam

How to write a home exam
What is expected?
• Generally, when writing academically you are
expected to show knowledge, skills and the ability
to think for yourself. (In your masters’ thesis you
also show ability to perform a piece of scientific
research.)
• You are neither expected to show off as much
theory as possible nor to produce original
research. You are expected to show understanding
of the course material and the ability to use it.
Preparing yourself
• Find some key concepts. Set them down, try to
arrange the rest of the information around them
• Try to find examples all around you, follow the
news. Use this to make the material ”ferment” in
your mind.
• Look at the curriculum at least for a short time
every day
• Go through lecture notes
• Read Hesmondhalgh. Use the rest of the
curriculum as ”case studies”.
1. The question
Typical questions:
• Give one or more examples of x, using theories from
the curriculum. Example: “a) Give one example of
how globalisation leads to local transformations.
Present the example briefly.
b) Give theoretical reasons or explanations of the
roles of the media in your case. “
• Discuss x in the light of theory y
• Discuss the statement x, using examples from your own
country or other countries (i.e. Does globalisation lead
to homogenisation or glocalization of media content)
Some examples (from other
courses)
• The role of the media as interpretor of political
issues and processes is increasingly central.
The term ”interpretation frame” is central in
relation to the media’s presentation of news
stories and political messages. Discuss this
term using media scientific theory and show
how it may be used in analysing the
Yssen/Valla case. (JOUR4428)
• Explain the key features behind the notion ”the
marketplace of ideas”. What kind of free
speech rationale would you say is prominent
within this way of arguing for unrestricted
speech? Provide a criticism of this view with
reference to relevant course literature.
• (JOUR4430)
• The five large regional papers entered into
fusion negotiations this summer to join in a
common conglomerate. Discuss the plans in
light of the following question: Which
economical strategies may be behind the
plans? What may be the consequences for
media pluralism? To what extent do you think
it might affect the journalism of the
newspapers? (MEVIT1310)
So, where do we start?
• Make sure you understand what is meant by the
question (there will usually be a meeting with the
teacher during the first day to clarify things)
• Look at the question, if necessarily subdivide it
• Brainstorming
• Discuss with others
• Read what is said in encyclopedias etc. to get an allround image. Wikipedia is recommended although it is
not accepted as a source at UIO
• Skim through books and articles
• If necessary, use BIBSYS to find more literature
Brainstorming
• Associate freely. Write down all ideas. Do not
criticize or value them as yet, this will limit
your creative process. Finding and estimating
ideas are two different processes!
• When you are done, go through the ideas.
Troubleshooting
• Three days is a short time. Get started
immediately.
• Different working habits and preferences
• Trouble with getting started: Go back to
brainstorming, associating around topic.
• Read, read and reread. Suddenly you will find
something that sets you on the right track
• Set some time limits for yourself.
Disposition pt. 1
• If the question is subdivided, start with the first
underquestion, then move to the second.
• If the question includes the word ”discuss” it
means ”discuss it with yourself”. Put theories
and examples against each other. Pro et con.
Ideally you should be able to argument for
both sides.
• Examples should be relevant and illustrate a
point.
Disposition pt. 2
• Start with the question
• Define what needs to be defined
• What theories do you intend to use in your
exam?
• The main text, where you answer the questions
using examples from the curriculum and
elsewhere.
• A conclusion where you try to summarise your
answer
Formal requirements
•
•
•
•
10 pages
12 point
1,5 distance between lines
Remember to sign the declaration regarding
cheating etc.
Sources and quotes
• When quoting or referring, the source must be
given, including the correct page
• This also applies to indirect quotations or
references
• All direct quotations must be correct
• Refer like this: (Hesmondhalgh 2002:145)
• If there are multiple authors, ie more than two:
(Mancini et al:152)
• If you quote or refer an article: (Robins, in
Hjarvard 2003: 192)
Litterature
• Belongs at the end of your exam
Robins, Kevin: Beyond Imagined Community? In Hjarvard,
Stig (ed.): Media in a Globalized Society. Museum
Tusculanum Press. Denmark, 2003
• All books referred to or used should be listed
• Author, title, publisher, place and year (ie:
Hjarvard, Stig (ed.): Media in a Globalized Society. Museum
Tusculanum Press. Denmark, 2003
If it is an article:
Robins, Kevin: Beyond Imagined Community? In Hjarvard,
Stig (ed.): Media in a Globalized Society. Museum
Tusculanum Press. Denmark, 2003
Referring webpages
• Be careful in using these as sources (Wikipedia
is not accepted)
• List webpages like this: Faerseth, John: How
to write a perfect home exam, 2007 (Accessed
11.29.07).www.howtowriteaperfectexam.org/J
F
Good luck!