POLSC 160: Required Question

This is the required question for POLSC 160:

There are three dominant models in analysing state-society relations: pluralism, elitism, and Marxism. Explain the main arguments and assumptions of, and criticisms on these models, and identify the key scholars who have espoused the models. You may use examples to illustrate your point.

1. If the student is able to explain the main arguments and assumptions, s/he gets five points per model.
2. If each perspective is explained properly with the key scholars, and main arguments and assumptions, the student gets additional four points per model.
3. If the student identified the criticisms, that is additional four points.
4. If the student did numbers 1, 2 and 3, that means 40 points for the required question.

POLSC 14: Required Question

This is the required question for POLSC 14:

There are different frameworks used in understanding and analysing Philippine politics. Identify at least three (3) perspectives and their proponent/s, and explain their main arguments and assumptions. Use appropriate examples to illustrate your point/s. Based on your understanding, which of the three you have identified best explains the current political landscape of the country?

1. If the student is able to provide three (3) perspectives, s/he gets five points.
2. If each perspective is explained properly with the right proponent, main arguments and assumptions, and with appropriate examples, the student gets ten points per perspective, or 30 points.
3. If the student answered the last question, that is another five points.
4. But if the student properly explained the choice of perspective, that is ten points.
5. If the student did numbers 2 and 4, that means 40 points for the required question.

On the Exam Structure

The midterm examinations for all classes (POLSC 14, 151, and 160) were structured this way: one required question, worth 40 points; and five to seven optional questions, where students can choose two questions only, worth 30 points each.

The required question, in my opinion, seeks to measure the basic knowledge of the student in terms of the theoretical foundations of the course. For POLSC 14, I asked the dominant frameworks in understanding Philippine politics. For POLSC 160, I asked about the three main models in political sociology (elitism, pluralism, and Marxism). A different approach was used for POLSC 151. I did not ask about the theories in studying the presidency. For one, the theories discussed in class were lifted from American studies on their president. Instead, I focused on the roles of the Philippine president according to key Filipino scholars (though they lifted their ideas from a foreign scholar).

The optional questions provide the students the choice on which questions they can answer. While the choice is limited, they are free to answer questions where they feel more confident in. This is not necessarily a give away section. The same rigour and standards are applied in checking the essay answers. This part recognises that students are more interested in one topic over the other. Given that, they are tested according to what they think is their strength.

Answering a question does not automatically mean it will receive points. It is always dependent on what the student will say, discuss, or explain in the essays.