ECE - American Dream ???

Anyone taken this exam?

Any "all-in-one" reference material recommendations?

Thanks,

 

I've always been interested in knowing about this exam as well. Has anyone taken the "American Dream," essay exam by Excelsior, and if so, how many essay questions were given. I'd also like to know what materials as well could be used to study properly for this exam. Thanks.

 

The folowing is the recommended study material from the Department of defense

Test title: The American Dream

Type of test: ECE

Type of study materials: audio cassettes

DoD study materials title: The American Dream

Synopsis of study materials: 8 one-hour audio sessions. These lectures are both a historical and a philosophical reflection on the American Dream. Dr. John K. Roth, professor at Claremont-McKenna College, draws on a variety of sources -- poetry, literature, philosophical and religious thought, political rhetoric and practice -- to see how the notion of the American Dream has developed over time. Professor Roth's governing thesis is that to be an American is to dream; that is the American heritage. If Americans can no longer be sure their multifaceted dream is realizable or that the future itself is limitless, then uncertainty may be a sign of maturity. For, as Professor Roth states, maturity entails the recognition that what they are and have been, as well as what they dream of becoming, are the truths they must live by.

Associated materials (not available from DoD): The American Dream (Part I): A Book of Readings and Course Guide for The American Dream from the Excelsior College bookstore. See also The Underside of American History by Thomas R. Frazier and "Learning Resources for this Exam" on page 4 of the ECE content guide.

Order number: CGA-013
http://www.uscg.mil/hq/capemay/t-socsci.htm
Good Luck

 

Anyone taken this exam lately? Easy or Not? What did u use to study?

 

The text book that excelsior recommends on their web site cost more than the exam itself! What a rip-off!

 

I've been thinking about this one as well. Has anyone tried it with only the audio tapes?

 

Lots of studying

Although not recently, I did take this test because of the 6 credits. I am foreign born and for me most of the material was new, so it was really a lot of new learning. I purchased (used, online) most of the books mentioned in the study guide, and used the internet for information. I also did purchase the EC book, which I agree was too expensive.

While I enjoyed learning about American history, I really thought that the material is way too extensive for a test, but then it is probably why I received 6 credits for it,

It is the test that I studied the most for. The biggest difference is that the material is not difficult, just extensive (as opposed to math for example).

If you have the time to learn the material I recommend going for it, especially if you were educated in the U.S. because you should have learned substantially more than me on American history.

 

While I did not take "American Dream", I have taken another "Excelsior Extended Response Exam" or Essay test. I did not use the full recommended reading list, but did have a couple of the books listed, plus other material including DVD's and books on tape.

The test I had was 3 separate very in depth questions that had a 3 hour time limit. It required me to not only regurgitate the usual who, what , when, where, why of a historical event, but wanted me to refer back to the recommended sources in backing up my response.

The problem I noticed is that if the question referred to a specific author's opinion in his/her article and I did not read or even possess it, then I was screwed.

I had to B.S. through one of the responses completely, because I had no idea who they were wanting me to write about.

FYI- I am a good test taker. I have taken 5 other Dantes multiple choice exams and got all "A" s, plus about 100 traditional credits that are all "A"s and "B"s. I studied longer, payed more, and did more poorly than any other exam that I have taken. It was a pass, but I was expecting a better result.

I was also considering taking "American Dream". The opportunity to knock out 6 upper credits in one shot is very appealing, but after my experience with that prior exam, I would say that the time spent preparing, plus the exam cost ($300)+books ($$$), is just not worth it.

If you challenge this exam, I would recommend you get ALL the Excelsior recommended resources, not just the tapes, and READ!

Hope this helps, good luck!

 

Want some free college credit, without having to spend all your time in class? If you're ready to get a college degree but don't relish the thought of all that homework, look into a credit-by-exam program. If you know enough about a particular topic to pass an examination, you can automatically earn college credit accepted by hundreds of schools nationwide.

The Excelsior College Exams Program (formerly the ACT Proficiency Exam Program), or ECE, allows you to earn college credit or certification through testing rather than traditional classes. Like the CLEP and DSSTs, ECEs will help you earn your degree faster. The ECE is fully supported by DANTES--which means you have access to exam information and study resources, and if you're eligible, you'll take your exams for free.