How to write a home exam

1. How to write a home exam

2. What is expected? • Generally, whenwritingacademicallyyouareexpectedto 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.

3. Preparing yourself • Findsomekeyconcepts. Setthemdown, try to arrangethe rest oftheinformationaroundthem • Try to findexamples all aroundyou, followthenews. Usethis to make the material ”ferment” in yourmind. • Look at the curriculum at least for a short time everyday • Gothroughlecture notes • ReadHesmondhalgh. Usethe rest ofthe curriculum as ”case studies”.

4. 1. The question Typicalquestions: • Giveone or more examplesof x, usingtheories 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 thelightoftheory y • Discussthestatement x, usingexamples from yourowncountry or othercountries (i.e. Doesglobalisation lead to homogenisation or glocalizationof media content)

5. 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)

6. 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)

7. 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)

8. So, where do we start? • Make sure you understand what is meant by thequestion (therewillusually be a meetingwiththeteacher during the first day to clarifythings) • Look at thequestion, ifnecessarilysubdivide 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 • Skimthroughbooks and articles • Ifnecessary, use BIBSYS to find more literature

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Disposition pt. 1 • Ifthequestion is subdivided, start withthe first underquestion, thenmove to thesecond. • Ifthequestionincludestheword ”discuss” it means ”discuss it withyourself”. Puttheories and examplesagainsteachother. Pro et con. Ideallyyoushould be able to argument for both sides. • Examplesshould be relevant and illustrate a point.

12. Disposition pt. 2 • Start withthequestion • Definewhatneeds to be defined • Whattheories do youintend to use in yourexam? • The maintext, whereyouanswerthequestionsusingexamples from the curriculum and elsewhere. • A conclusionwhereyoutry to summariseyouranswer

13. Formal requirements • 10 pages • 12 point • 1,5 distance between lines • Remember to sign the declaration regarding cheating etc.

14. Sources and quotes • When quoting or referring, thesource must be given, includingthecorrectpage • This alsoapplies to indirectquotations or references • All directquotations must be correct • Refer like this: (Hesmondhalgh 2002:145) • Ifthereare multiple authors, ie more thantwo: (Mancini et al:152) • Ifyouquote or refer an article: (Robins, in Hjarvard 2003: 192)

15. Litterature • Belongs at the end ofyourexam Robins, Kevin: BeyondImaginedCommunity? In Hjarvard, Stig (ed.): Media in a Globalized Society. Museum Tusculanum Press. Denmark, 2003 • All booksreferred 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: BeyondImaginedCommunity? In Hjarvard, Stig (ed.): Media in a Globalized Society. Museum Tusculanum Press. Denmark, 2003

16. 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

17. Good luck!