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 all-

round 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 examRobins, 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, 2003If 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/JF

Good luck!