Introduction to Sociology
Lectures: Prof. Carlo Barone
Discussion Sessions: Coline Ferrant
Sciences Po – Menton Campus
Spring 2016
Midterm Exam / Final Exam
Guidelines, Tips, and Assessment Rubric
Assignment Overview
You take in-class, four-hour midterm and final exams, which consist of two short essays on
two questions (to be chosen from three options), and a document commentary on a set of three to
six sociological materials. The exams cover the whole course (i.e., lectures, discussion session
required readings and in-class discussions).
All documents and all electronic devices (laptops, mobile phones, etc) are forbidden. Only
the following elements are allowed: the exam paper, your student ID, writing materials (pens,
pencils, erasers), exam sheets and rough sheets (to be asked to the exam supervisors), light
refreshments if needed1 … and your brain and hands.
On Session 4 (February 23rd), we train on writing short essays and commenting documents.
You sit for the midterm exam on March 12 th. The midterm covers lectures and discussion
sessions 1 to 4. On Session 7 (March 22 nd), I hand out individual feedback sheets. On Session 8
(March 29th), we hold a whole-class feedback discussion.
You sit for the final exam sometime from May 6 th to May 21st (date to be confirmed). On
Session 12 (April 26th), we hold an overall whole-class feedback discussion and prepare for the final
exam. I email you an individual discussion session feedback sheet (overall comments and tips, tips
for the final exam, and discussion session grade) no later than on April 29 th (i.e., at least one week
before the final exam).
Preparing for the Exam
The best way to prepare for the exam is to be involved throughout the semester. It's that
simple. This way of preparing proves far more effective in terms of time, effort, grade, stress, and
enjoyment, than staying idle all the semester long and cramming the week (the night) before.
Sitting for the Exam
Short Essays
Read the question carefully. Disentangle and analyze the components of the question, and
relate them to sociological approaches, concepts, theories, and methods covered in the course. You
may relate one question to several lectures and discussion sessions.
Your essays should include a definition of the words used in the question, even if these
definitions are not the question's main purposes. For instance, if asked about "Bourdieusian
approach to class", you should define class (even preliminarily) and sketch Bourdieu's sociology.
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1 Light refreshments – méchoui, choucroute, and Japanese whisky are not allowed.
Introduction to Sociology – Discussion Session / Sciences Po – Menton Campus / Spring 2016 / Coline Ferrant
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Your essays must be structured and focused. In the introduction, state what you are about to
develop. In the development, proceed logically and stay on point. In the conclusion, wrap up.
Document Commentary
Your commentary should include the following elements:
– Identify the sociological purpose of the set of materials (titles may give you clues).
– Explain the type of the materials (e.g., quantitative or qualitative, sources, date,
population), and what they are about (what topic(s), which aspect(s) of the topic(s)).
– Report and analyze the results; relate them to sociological approaches, concepts,
theories, and methods covered in the course.
– Be critical (e.g., relevance of the results, methodological biases, need for further data).
Your commentary must not be a dull, scattered description of each material. In the
introduction, craft a catchy opening sentence, present the set of materials and their sociological
purpose, formulate your purpose, and sketch your outline. Elaborate two to three sections, broken
down into structured paragraphs (introductory sentence, development, conclusive sentence). Each
of your arguments must be supported by empirical evidence from the materials. You are not
required to refer to absolutely everything in the materials. You may focus on specific parts (e.g.,
specific figures in a table, specific sentences in an interview) to better demonstrate your grasp of the
methods, and your ability to focus on your purpose. In the conclusion, wrap up.
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Time Management
Unlike written take-home assignments, the timeframe of an exam does not allow you to
make several drafts. You may jot some thoughts, structure, introduction and conclusion, on the
rough sheets. Turn to write up on the exam sheet. Reserve the last five minutes to check grammar,
syntax, and punctuation.
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Assessment Rubric
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First Short Essay (6 points)
Second Short Essay (6 points)
Document Commentary (8 points)
Introduction to Sociology – Discussion Session / Sciences Po – Menton Campus / Spring 2016 / Coline Ferrant
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