final+exam.spring12

Spring 2013 Final Exam (4/30 at noon in same classroom)

__Directions__: Answer each of the **three** essay questions listed below. The evidence you use and the arguments you make to defend your position __should be taken from the relevant readings and lectures__. Whether you agree or disagree with the statement, make sure you thoroughly address and answer the other side of the argument.

The purpose of releasing exam questions early (rather than general topics for study) is so that students can prepare a detailed and organized set of paragraphs in response to each question. Thus, when studying, it would be helpful to either thoroughly outline your answer or even produce a sample answer with a thesis and (roughly) 5 paragraphs to help both your memory and organizational skills on exam day. No outside materials (books, articles, notes, outlines, etc.) may be used during the exam, however.

Lastly, studying in groups can be a big help on exams like this; however, be careful not to generate identical answers. You want your answer to stand out as bold and well-argued. Answers will be judged by whether they //clearly// and //comprehensively// incorporate relevant concepts in an //organized// fashion.

__Group 1 – make sure to present an organized thesis-driven answer__


 * 1) This question has two parts: first, what are the qualities of a reasonable argument? In a nutshell, if a person is arguing reasonably in the public sphere, what kinds of arguments is she making, and what kind of flawed arguments is she avoiding? Second, what is the role of reason in a healthy public sphere? Use relevant material from Rybacki & Rybacki, //Advocacy and Opposition// (especially ch. 5, 6, 7, and 8) as well as the lectures on Enlightenment and the public sphere to develop your answer.

__Take a position on each of these **two** statements; make sure to address the other side of the argument your essay.__


 * 1) The dumbing down of the American public severely threatens American democracy. (Incorporate readings/lectures from citizen crisis #1.)


 * 1) American public culture is too combative, too aggressive. (Incorporate readings/lectures from citizen crisis #2.)

Lectures available via: http://prezi.com/user/mikelee/.