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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does a belief in luck have an effect on efficiency?

2. Which ethnic type does Veblen say has more predatory traits?

3. What does Veblen say the act of worshiping appeals to?

4. What does Veblen say was the center of modern communities during his time?

5. What is education's relationship with the supernatural, according to Veblen?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the ethnic types Veblen defines, and how does he describe them?

2. How are industries ranked?

3. How is education similar to the observance of devotional functions and magic?

4. What are the effects of devout observances?

5. How does Veblen describe the difference between esoteric and exoteric knowledge?

6. How does Veblen describe the situation of modern women, the women of his time?

7. How do sports demonstrate belief in luck, or semireligious sentiment?

8. What traits in men are required for the success of a community, in Veblen's description?

9. What temperament does Veblen say characterizes the leisure class, and how does the leisure class change?

10. How does one move from the industrial class to the leisure class?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe how "The Theory of the Leisure Class" applies to two professions: one where the profession fits Veblen's language very well, and another where Veblen's language does not apply as neatly.

Essay Topic 2

Why does society need to have its industrial efficiency reduced through devout observances and the belief in unseen hands? What would happen if society accelerated toward efficiency? What does reducing efficiency allow for a leisure class? What does it offer for the other classes?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the role Darwinian thinking plays in "The Theory of the Leisure Class." Is Veblen simply applying Darwin's ideas to society, or is he using Darwin's ideas as tools to show things Darwin's theories would not have described?

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