Need help deciding which CLEP to take

I need to satisfy MSU's core requirement for Humanities. They don't accept any "general cleps". I can choose from the Western Civ I and II CLEPS or the Spanish CLEP. Which one was easier--I do not speak any spanish now, nor do I have a strong Western Civ background? Also, what study materials did you use for them?

I haven't found these on the DANTES yet, but someone mentioned they have a Philosophy and Music test. If so, these would also be candidates. Thank for the help.
Michelle

 

Some quick ideas...

Well, in theory, the Spanish CLEP is tougher--its for 6 credits minmum, but the Western Civ exams are just for 3.

If you're interested in CLEP Western Civ, the first thing to do is to check out the sample exams. Get an idea of the scope; know what you don't know and what would be helpful or interesting to know--you'll do better that way!

If you have more background in Christianity, Western Civ I ought to be more of interest because it explains its rise and importance to the West; if you have studied Poli Sci, Western Civ II will be of more interest since it explains how civ moved from monarchy to constitutional government. Likewise if you've had econ--the industrial revolution will deepen your grasp of the subject.

Propably the fastes best way to pass the exam is to get The Teaching Company's tapes--on deeply discounted sale for $65 (+$20 shipping) 'til December 30th (goto www.teach12.com).

Each 48 lecture set (24 hours), combined with the detailed notes ans questions ought to be enough to pass, if that's all you need. Listen to the tapes, then at some point try the sample CLEP questions to guage your comprehension. (I typically take the sample around half-way through such a project--it's confidence building). The teachco tapes are "The Foundations of Western Civilization," and "Europe and Western Civilization in The Modern Age." Unfortunately, the latter only covers from the French Revolution, and the CLEP tests the previous century and a half. Therefore, you'll have to supplement is with some reading.

If you're up for more active learning (i.e., reading), there is a cheaper alternative. Use any of the several AP European History test preps. They concentrate on modern Europe, so they won't really help you for CLEP Western Civ I. But for II, the AP just a different format (Essay plus Multiple choice)--otherwise it's the same test made by the same people (ETS). Goto Amazon.com, use the right search word in the title, and have it sort (at the bottom of the search page) by "avg cutomer review". Then read the reviews for what's best and guage according to your needs for review. (One test prep may be better for review than; a different one may have the better practice exam.

REAs "uropean History Builder"is probably the most detailed. It also gets you thinking multiple-choice style from the get go.

The test prep route is undoubtably cheaper, but given your learning style, may well not be the best way to learn.

If you want a short quick textbook, "Western Civilization: A Brief History" (Vol I and II) by Marvin Perry is highly recommended. The first Volume (for CLEP Western Civ I), is especially short and lucid!
There are also free online quizes available at the publishers web site.

Good luck!

--Orson

PS "MSU?" Michigan/Montana?Mississippi State?

 

I spent a week or so reading a Western Civ book and got 'A' marks (from Excelsior) on both Western Civ CLEP tests. I used Civilization in the West by Brinton and it covered everything I needed to know and then some! (This is an old text, I used the 1st ed. from 1964, but really, it's not like the history in the West has changed! You should be able to pick this up for $5-$10 using ABE Books).

Best of luck on fulfilling your requirements.

 

possible two credits

Hello, I am wondering if your school would accept Q318 and Q118 from the National Fire Academy Catolog as 2 credits toward your humanities quota. The catalog can be printed from the internet and they have ACE approval for 1 credit each. It is worth a try. I am currently waiting for delivery of these courses myself. (The price is right $0.) Have a peaceful evening. Hille

 

The Brinton, Christopher, and Wolfe text--now, I'm sure, with an additional author or two--is indeed THE classic Western Civ text., esp. for part I. Later editions feature color, and by the late 80s, full color. In fact, I cut my teeth in the subject with this (laye 70s).

The writing style was elevated and learned. Has it been dumbed down since?

It's chief competitor is by Yale's Donald Kagen. I find it oddly written, hard to get into, and somehow off-putting compared with Brinton. (Although its companion study guide is very much superior--Brinton's study guide was almost laughably thin.)

But, regardless, it's good to know that Brinton is still serving someone well.

--Orson

 

Thanks to all for taking the time to answer. The information has been very helpful. MSU is Midwestern State U. It is in North Texas.
Michelle

 

Surpring, Michelle

Than you, Michelle.
However, allow me to express my chagrin: "Midwest" as in the American Southwest?

That's not to be confused with: "Midwest University," Downers Grove, Illinois; and wasn't there a "Midwest(ern)" named school either in or outside of Oklahoma City?

(I'm allowed to express surprise as a long-time Minnesotan [in the "Mid-West," though historically called the Old Northwest]!
And foreigners are surprised by America?!?)

But enougth efflivia, please let us know what you decide to do for yourself, Michelle...We hope it goes well!

--Orson