For the final paper, students will be responsible for investigating a place-specific topic in LA or ...
For the final paper, students will be responsible for investigating a place-specific topic in LA or another city/suburb such as gentrification in West Adams, urban (re)development around the LA Olympics, police reform in South LA, the suburbanization of poverty in Irvine, etc. through secondary research (news articles, policy reports, census data, academic articles). Whatever research topic and case that you chose to focus on, you must deploy the conceptual tools and empirical cases from the readings and lectures to analyze, interpret, and form a position on your issue. USE SUBURBANIZATION OF POVERTY IN EITHER Palmdale, or Contra Costa County. - 1250-1500 words, Key Elements *Number of Paragraphs for each section are suggestions only* Substantive - Introduction: A central question that your essay is going to answer or examine. A clear thesis statement of your argument (1-2 paragraphs) - Background: Historical background of the neighborhood, city, or region in relation to your issue. Demographic context of ethnicity, class, and other census variables (1-2 paragraphs). - Analysis: Combining course readings and outside sources to analyze your issue (i.e. a trend in urbanization, sides of a policy debate, a struggle over urban development, an urban social problem). (The bulk of the paper) - Conclusion: Ties together elements of the analysis back to your argument. (1 paragraph) o Optional alternative to the conclusion above: Policy Recommendation(s) Conclusion. Connecting your analysis to make an argument for policies and practices that can be adopted by governments, NGO’s, individuals or businesses. (1-3 paragraphs). Formal - 1250-1500 words, double-spaced, one-inch margins, with page numbers, and a Title. (Abstracts should not be included in the final paper submission) - Engages with four or more readings from the course. Two of these four should be engaged with substantially – ie more than a single sentence or passing reference, drawing on a key concept or central argument, specific example(s), etc. Uses specific examples and quotations from the texts to support analysis. Lecture material can be cited and count as one of the required course readings and/or Articles/Chapters included in the Honors Section syllabus. - Engages with four or more outside sources (newspaper articles, census data, academic articles, books, podcasts, other media).-In-line citations (author year: pg number) ie (Smith 1996: 23). - A list of works cited (not included in the word count). I do not care which specific format you chose, but it should be an official format (ie Chicago, MLA, ASA, etc) and be consistent. Abstract You will submit a 200-word abstract that must include each of the following: 1) An overview of the issue you will be analyzing: a trend in urbanization, sides of a policy debate, a struggle over urban development, etc. 2) A central question that your essay is going to answer or examine. 3) (If you have it at this point) A clear thesis statement of your argument. 4) A sentence or two about how the paper is organized, and argument is developed. You may also submit an outline, which can be as developed or rudimentary as you like, the main thing I want to see is how you’re planning to connect our readings and concepts covered in the work to a case of your choosing. *Abstracts will not be graded, but failure to submit one will result in a half-grade reduction from the final paper. *Abstracts are not submitted with final paper Grade/ Points Characteristics A range An “A” paper demonstrates a superior, sustained, and consistent level of critical engagement with the issues that the writer addresses. A clear and perceptive thesis statement Includes all required substantive and formal components listed on the paper guidelines (see final paper guidelines and final alternative paper guidelines for list). Key Elements Substantive - Introduction: A central question that your essay is going to answer or examine. A clear thesis statement of your argument - Background: Historical background of the neighborhood, city, or region in relation to your issue. Demographic context of ethnicity, class, and other census variables. - Analysis: Combining course readings and outside sources to analyze your issue (i.e. a trend in urbanization, sides of a policy debate, a struggle over urban development, an urban social problem). (The bulk of the paper) - Conclusion: Ties together elements of the analysis back to your argument. o Optional alternative to the conclusion above: Policy Recommendation(s) Conclusion. Connecting your analysis to make an argument for policies and practices that can be adopted by governments, NGO’s, individuals or businesses. Formal - 1250-1500 words, double-spaced, one-inch margins, with page numbers, and a Title. (Abstracts should not be included in the final paper submission) - Engages with four or more readings from the course. Two of these four should be engaged with substantially – ie more than a single sentence or passing reference, drawing on a key concept or central argument, specific example(s), etc. Uses specific examples and quotations from the texts to support analysis. Lecture material can be cited and count as one of the required course readings and/or Articles/Chapters included in the Honors Section syllabus. - Engages with four or more outside sources (newspaper articles, census data, academic articles, books, podcasts, other media). - In-line citations (author year: pg number) ie (Smith 1996: 23). - A list of works cited (not included in the word count). I do not care which specific format you chose, but it should be an official format (ie Chicago, MLA, ASA, etc) and be consistent. A The paper demonstrates strong reasoning throughout, supported by persuasive evidence and relevant, fully developed examples. The quotes and examples from course and outside texts are clearly connected to the key claims of each paragraph and support the argument stated in the thesis. The paper’s organization supports the development of the writer's ideas and demonstrates effective uses of cohesive devices. The word choice is varied and precise and only minor errors in grammar and usage are evident. The paper is written clearly in the student’s own words and has been proofread. B range A “B” paper demonstrates competence and an acceptable level of critical engagement with the issues that the writer addresses. Meets all (B+) or Most (B, B-) of the response requirements. A clear thesis statement. Includes nearly all required substantive and formal components listed on the paper guidelines (see above). The paper's reasoning is sound, and is based on relevant evidence. It generally demonstrates accurate and sufficient use of evidence – including specific examples and quotes from the cited texts - although there may be occasional lapses. Connections between evidence and the topic are weaker or underdeveloped in comparison to the “A” papers and there is less analysis. The paper is generally written clearly in the student’s own words and has been proofread but may have some problems with organization and/or clarity and have some errors or quote the source material more than is ideal. While errors in grammar and usage may be present, they do not interfere with the reader’s understanding of the text. C range A “C” paper fails to meet several requirements (substantive and formal) of the assignment. The thesis is not clear, weak, or fails to directly address the question. The writer’s understanding of the text(s) upon which the paper is based is generally plausible and logical in most, but not all, parts. There are some problems with sources and citation; there are not enough, not all are relevant, etc. Missing required texts. Does not include specific examples or quotes from most texts – instead relying on general summary. There is little synthesis or analysis provided compared with the “B” papers. There are problems with the clarity and organization of the paper. There are significant grammatical and spelling errors. D range Most or all of the problems of “C” papers are in evidence here, but they are significantly worse. Part of the assignment is missing, or severely lacking. NO PLAGIARISM OR AI WILL BE CHECKED MANY TIMES
