Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Question for Essay 1

Hey, I have meditated (and been sufficiently medicated with caffeine!) and have figured out the way in which you can demonstrate your understanding of the concepts thus far.  I mean it here that it is an opportunity for you--I don't believe in the incorrect notion that students have to be "tested" ....

Through your responses to DQ1 and DQ2, we have already identified that there is a link between urbanization and economic transformation.  This relationship is not something new, and can be traced even back to the time when humans figured out that settled, permanent agriculture is a lot more beneficial than is a nomadic existence.
So, is the relationship strictly one-way, or does it work both ways?  I.e.,:
  • Is urbanization a result of changes in the economic aspects?, or
  • Did (does?) urbanization trigger economic transformation?, or
  • Is there a reinforcing relationship between urbanization and economic changes?
Any, or all, of the resources that are listed for the first three weeks of the term will help you think through this, and will help you articulate your thesis.
In addition, you need to get at least one other authoritative reference to support your arguments.  This reference can be an article in a "scholarly journal", or a publication from a think-tank, or an analytical report in a newspaper, .... the bottom-line is that the source should be credible and considered authoritative enough.

As you write the essay, and definitely after you finish it, compare it with the rubric that I will use to evaluate your essays.  This way, you can then amend your essay if appropriate. And when you are all done, email your essay as an attachment tome--not to the class.

The deadline?  As stated in the contract for this class, your first essay is due before 8:00 am on October 20th.

It does not mean that you cannot ask me questions.  feel free to check with me as you progress along with the essay--my job is not to "test" you but to help you understand the issues and to also assist you in articulating that understanding you have gained.

Excited enough?  What are you waiting for then? :-)

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