Sociology 304 - Issues in Modern Sociological Theory

Final Examination

9 a.m. - 12 noon, April 28, 1998, CL 431

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

Part A. Select three of the following and explain each of these in a few sentences. (3 x 5 = 15 points).

  1. cyberspace
  2. immediacy
  3. play ethic
  4. technotopian vision
  5. warranting
  6. will to virtuality
  7. "you will be information" (from Kroker, "Theory," p. 4).

Part B. Select two of the following and write a paragraph on each. (2 x 15 = 30 points).

  1. What do the high tech advertisements that we viewed in class illustrate concerning high tech and contemporary society?
  2. Stone argues that virtual communities existed before computers were developed or were widely adopted. What does she mean by this and what does this illustrate about community?
  3. "Human interchange in cyberspace has narrow bandwidth." Explain what this means and outline some implications of this.
  4. High tech industries often claim their products are interactive. Explain why this is questionable in sociological terms.
  5. What does Kroker mean by the virtual class and why does he oppose this class?

Part C. Write an essay on one of the following topics. (30 points).

  1. Write an essay on the sociological implications of one or more of the stories of Stone (multiple personalities, cross-dressing psychiatrist, communitrees, Atari lab).

  2. Using the articles "The Theory of the Virtual Class" and "The Political Economy of Virtual Reality: Pan-Capitalism" by Arthur Kroker, write an essay outlining some of the sociological or political-economic implications of the existence and power of the virtual class.

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