Background
POLS3803 Landmarks of Political Science is a capstone course in the Political Science Major in which students study classic works of political theory. The focus is on textual and conceptual analysis , with short- and long-form comprehension questions forming a weekly assessment, while a long essay is the major item (45%). There are 100-120 students each year.

The Experiment
In lieu of a take-home assignment, in 2022 an exam oral (25%) was introduced. At the beginning of the exam, students nominated two texts studied in the course and were then asked, “What would the author of text A think of text B?”, or the reverse, at the examiners’ discretion.

Further details:

  • Answers were 4-5 minutes with a timer sounding at 4.30;
  • Two follow-up questions were then asked; answers could only improve the grade;
  • The exams were taken in front of two academics who both marked the assessment and then averaged their grades. Marks were divided between eloquence (50%) and content (50%);
  • Every effort was made to establish a relaxed atmosphere. Exams were recorded.

I also use this assessment in Constructing the West (WCIV3200)
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Details