SOC 326 Midterm Exam

Description: The exam consists of four short answer questions and one essay. The short answer questions are valued at 30 points each, and the essay is worth 80 points.

Instructions: Using your own words, respond to the short answer questions in at least one paragraph. Write two pages of typed, double-spaced text for the essay. The text and course material may be used for reference, but they are not a substitution for original ideas. Responses should be detailed, applying relevant course concepts and specific examples to support ideas. To ensure the clarity of expression, use appropriate spelling and grammar.

Grading: The exam is worth 20% of the overall grade for the course. Grading is based on the detailed explanation and application of course concepts, accuracy of information, and clarity of expression. See Scoring Rubric for further details.

Short Answer Questions:

1) What do sociologists mean when they describe deviance as being relative? Provide an example of a deviant behavior and identify how it is relative.

2) What are deviant places, and how are they associated with deviant acts?

3) Sociologists detail the importance of contextual and social patterns for deviant acts such as abuse, murder, and rape. Choose from abuse, murder, and rape, and then detail an important social pattern or variation.

4) Compare and contrast two different types of suicide, providing an example of each.

Essay:

What are the fundamental differences between the biological, psychological, and sociological theories of deviance? Choose a sociological theory from your readings and provide a summary of its important ideas and concepts. Then choose a deviant act and utilize the theory to explain why people engage in such behaviors.

Scoring Rubric Requirements of submission: The midterm exam must follow these formatting guidelines: double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, one-inch margins, and discipline-appropriate citations. Page length requirements: 3-4 pages.

Critical Elements Exemplary (100%) Proficient (85%) Needs Improvement (55%) Not Evident (0%) Value

Question Concepts Includes almost all of the main concepts of each question and cites multiple examples to illustrate concepts

Includes most of the main concepts of each question and cites many examples to illustrate each concept

Includes some of the question concepts and examples

Does not include any of the question concepts or examples

30

Inquiry and Analysis

Explores multiple issues through extensive and in-depth analysis of evidence to draw informed conclusions

Explores some issues through in-depth analysis of evidence to draw informed conclusions

Explores minimal issues through analysis of evidence to draw informed conclusions

Does not explore issues through analysis of evidence and does not draw informed conclusions

20

Integration and Application

All of the course concepts are correctly applied

Most of the course concepts are correctly applied

Some of the course concepts are correctly applied

Does not correctly apply any of the course concepts

20

Critical Thinking Demonstrates comprehensive exploration of issues and ideas before accepting or forming an opinion or conclusion

Demonstrates moderate exploration of issues and ideas before accepting or forming an opinion or conclusion

Demonstrates minimal exploration of issues and ideas before accepting or forming an opinion or conclusion

Does not demonstrate exploration of issues and ideas before accepting or forming an opinion or conclusion

20

Writing (Organization/Style)

No errors related to organization, grammar, and style

Minor errors related to organization, grammar, and style

Some errors related to organization, grammar, and style

Major errors related to organization, grammar, and style

10

Earned Total /100