Reading our World

SSCI 1700U
Reading our World
Midterm Exam
Fall, 2024
Instructions:

• Drawing on course materials (up to and including the week of Sept. 30), choose and
  answer FOUR (4) of the following questions.
• Each answer should be in the form of a short essay of about 500 words. Each answer is
  worth 5 points for a total of 20. Include examples. You should cite your sources, and you
  can use additional resources, as long as they are scholarly (peer-reviewed, credible).
• This exam is due at Midnight, October 14, and is worth 20 percent of your final grade.
  Questions: (Answer any four):

1. Evaluate the following claim and explain your reasoning: “Personal experience is the
   only reliable source of knowledge; everything else is second-hand information and
   potentially unreliable.”
2. Write a response to the following statement. “In the age of social media and ‘fake news’,
   truth has become irrelevant; only the most compelling narrative matters.”
3. Evaluate the impact of social media on democratic discourse and public trust. How can
   democracies harness the benefits of digital platforms while mitigating their potential
   negative effects?
4. Critically analyze the following statement: “Economic inequality is primarily a result of
   individual choices and effort, not systemic factors.”
5. Consider the following claim: “Youth disengagement from traditional politics is a sign of
   democracy’s failure.” Evaluate the implications of youth underrepresentation in formal
   political structures. How can democracies better engage and represent younger
   generations?
6. Imagine that scientists discover irrefutable evidence that a major world religion’s
   foundational story is factually incorrect. Discuss the potential societal implications of
   this discovery on cultural identity, morality, and social cohesion.