Development and the West, California, Los Angeles, Urban Challenges (Housing, Gentrification)

For these reflection papers, please CHOOSE a topic that you are interested in that RELATES to the articles that i will add here. There is a significant amount of latitude here. If your interests are rooted in environmental issues for instance, look for geographic situations in which the environment has played a pivotal role (i.e., either impacting the growth of a city/region, or conversely, a city/region has negatively impacted a particular aspect of the environment – soil, river quality, etc.). Make sure to connect/relate to and reference ideas, themes, topics, places that we’ve gone over during our course (readings and/or lecture/discussion). Your varied interests should be highlighted here! These could be related to your major, or just general topics that you want to explore in greater depth. So again, choose topics that resonate with you!

NOTE: Please do not write something that is simply a re-wording or re-organization of a topic or topics discussed from the articles (it has to be an ISSUE NOT IN THE ARTICLES). Focus on something related to our topics, but is really your own take or perspective. This was one of the issues that came up with the first reflection paper.

You may organize your paper as follows;

1. Introduction: Summarize the geographic setting/situation, including historical context (e.g., physical setting, population characteristics, major economic activity, etc.)

2. Problem/Case Study/Issue: Describe the issue you’ll be focusing on 

3. Relate to course: How does this issue relate to the articles? Make sure to refer to READINGS and ARTCILES – there is no required minimum number of references, just make sure the discussion/relationship to the course is robust

4. Future Concerns/Opportunities: What are YOUR thoughts on the relevance of your paper to broader directions of the U.S. and perhaps any connections to larger, global issues

Format:

1. 500-600 words (approximately)
2. Times New Roman, 12 point font
3. Cite References (You may use any format you are comfortable with, just make sure to remain consistent with your citation/reference formatting)

Development and the West ARTICLE