CLEP Introductory Sociology case studies
CLEP Introductory Sociology · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The CLEP Introductory Sociology exam is a credit-by-examination assessment designed to measure knowledge equivalent to what is typically presented in a one-semester introductory-level sociology course at most colleges and universities. It is aimed at students who have already acquired foundational sociological knowledge-through coursework, independent reading, or life experience-and want to demonstrate that knowledge to potentially earn college credit without enrolling in the course. The CLEP Introductory Sociology case studies are 5 cases and about 2,195 words.
1The Factory Town's Vanishing Shift
A mid-sized city's largest employer, a textile plant, closes after 70 years. Within 18 months, 2,300 jobs disappear.
453 words, about 2 min2Two Schools, One Boundary
A metropolitan district redraws attendance zones. School A, in an affluent area, has 82% of students meeting state math standards and a PTA that raises 140,000 annually for enrichment.
451 words, about 2 min3The Volunteer Network That Stopped Growing
A nonprofit food-rescue network has 240 volunteers who collect surplus groceries from 30 stores and deliver to 18 pantries. A coordinator notices that new volunteers rarely stay past eight weeks: of 90 recruits last year, 71 quit.
430 words, about 2 min4The Wellness App in the Call Center
A call center with 500 agents introduces a wellness app that tracks steps, sleep, and "mood check-ins." Management frames it as voluntary and offers a $200 annual bonus for 80% weekly engagement. Six months in, participation is 71%, but agents report using the app strategically: logging mood as "fine" regardless of actual stress, wearing step counters during off-hours chores, and completing check-ins in under ten seconds.
391 words, about 2 min5The Census Tract That Looks Healthy
A county health department maps "wellbeing" using three indicators: median household income, homeownership rate, and life expectancy. A census tract scores well above county averages on all three, so it is designated a "healthy community" and excluded from a new outreach program.
470 words, about 2 min