LAS432 Midterm Study Guide

The Midterm consists of 10 multiple choice questions and 3 essay questions. Each of the multiple choice
questions is worth 5 points, while the essay questions are worth 50 points each. All of the potential essay
questions can be found below. You will be randomly given three of the essay questions below to answer.

I expect at least one page per essay question. I recommend using the 5-paragraph method, which
consists of 1 paragraph for the introduction (including a clear thesis statement), 3 paragraphs for the body
of the essay, and 1 paragraph for the conclusion.

If you take quotes, ideas, and other content from another source, it is important that you properly cite this
work. Please use in-text citations and add a bibliography at the end of your essay. Failure to properly
cite could result in a zero for the exam and a formal academic dishonesty charge.

If you have not done so, I highly recommend watching the Weeks 1-4 iConnect Lectures. In addition,
content will come from your textbook, the weekly Lecture pages, and the weekly discussions. You can
also use outside sources.

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(TCOs 1 & 2) Baase states that it is not only technologies and systems that change quickly, but also the
social impacts and controversies that are inherent in such rapid development. Discuss some of the
positive and negative aspects that the pace of advancement has upon our culture as a whole. Use
detailed examples.

(TCOs 1 & 2) What are some of the key impacts of the Industrial Revolution? You may discuss not only
ones which came about within the time-span attributed to the Industrial Revolution, but also those which
stretched long past the end of that particular historical era.

(TCOs 1 & 2) Do you agree with the assertion that we are now living in a third-great technological
transformation-the Knowledge Revolution? Have computers truly changed our lives so much that we can
call this a revolution like the Industrial Revolution of the 18th century? Support your answer providing
specific comparisons from the two periods.

(TCOs 4 & 8) Discuss the Neolithic Revolution, citing its importance in terms of laying the groundwork for
the ongoing development of technological advances throughout history. Utilize specific examples in order
to better illustrate your arguments.

(TCOs 4 & 8) Discuss the specific role the Protestant Reformation played in laying the groundwork for the
advancement of communication techniques and technologies within Western culture.

(TCOs 4 & 8) Define and compare at least two of the ethical theories described by Baase. What are their
strengths? In what areas do they lack? Do these theories hold up within our modern, technological
society?

(TCOs 3 & 4) Has the development of digital technologies democratized the art of photography? How
has this affected our appreciation of the photographer as artist and photography as an art form? Explain
using specific examples.

(TCOs 3 & 4) How have changes in technology affected the recording industry and our understanding of
what it means to be a professional musician? How have changes in technology affected our access to
recorded music and the control exercised by traditional distributors? How will all these changes affect
cultural trends and our expectations of music as an art form? Provide specific examples.

(TCOs 3 & 4) How have changes in communications technologies affected how we write and what we
write? How do wikis and blogs compare to traditional forms such as textbooks and newspaper editorials?
Please be specific.