Sociology 304 - Issues in Modern Sociological Theory

First Midterm Examination

February 5, 1998

Time: 75 minutes.

Note: Answer each of parts A, B, and C. Within each of these parts you have some choices. The total number of points for the examination is 75 points.

Part A. Select four of the following and explain each of these in a few sentences.

(4 x 6 points = 24 points).

  1. Multi-Europeans.
  2. Multination state.
  3. Visible minority.
  4. Culture as context of choice.
  5. Immigrant reorganization.
  6. Bauer’s or Stalin’s definition of ‘nation’ or ‘people.
  7. Deep diversity.
  8. Group settlement and ethnic persistence.
  9. Belonging.

Part B. Select two of the following and write a paragraph on each.

(2 x 13 points = 26 points).

  1. State two of the themes in the Canadian Multiculturalism Act and explain how the practice of these can promote national unity in Canada.
  2. According to Kymlicka, immigrants wish to integrate into Canadian society and also retain some aspects of their own culture. How can these seemingly contradictory aspects occur at the same time?
  3. Write a paragraph commenting on the January 26, 1998 article from The Leader-Post concerning the proposed renaming of the Ring Road around Regina to Riel Road.
  4. "Ethnocultural diversity and demands for group rights mean that the liberal model of society is outmoded." Either support or critique this statement.
  5. Explain how Durkheim’s approach to difference and culture can be used to build a theory of multiculturalism.

Part C. Write a short essay on one of the following topics. (25 points).

  1. Using concepts and approaches from the class, comment on the proposals relating to immigration in the articles from The Leader-Post and The Globe and Mail of January 7, 1998.
  2. Apply the theory from Multicultural Citizenship to the issues raised in "Adopted niece can’t join family," from The Globe and Mail, January 24, 1998.
  3. Models of immigrant assimilation have not been as important in Canadian sociological approaches as in United States sociology. Explain.

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