Assignment for Thursday, 11/1

REMINDER: There is no class on Tuesday, 10/30.

For Thursday, read (and, if you'd like, summarize) Lynne Weikart's article, "The Guiliani Administration and the New Public Management in New York City," which I handed out in class on 10/25. If you missed class, e-mail me to arrange a time to pick up the reading.

Short Paper Assignment

Assignment: Read Rebecca Solnit’s article, “Detroit Arcadia” (handed out in class). In this article, published earlier this year in Harper’s Magazine, Solnit explores the dramatic decline of what once was one of America’s largest cities.

Once you’ve read the article, write a short essay that evaluates Solnit’s argument. Is her cautious optimism about Detroit’s future justified, or are there other problems that may derail her vision of a post-industrial city? There is no need to conduct additional research, but I expect you to provide well-reasoned arguments for or against Solnit, using whatever evidence is available to you. (Note: your opinion is NOT evidence.) You are welcome to refer to the readings from previous classes.

Your essay should be 3-5 pages, double-spaced, and typed with 1” margins. There is no need to include a bibliography unless you use sources outside the article or the Urban Politics Reader. However, if you quote from the article or any other source, please format the quotation properly. Also, if you use an idea from another source, make sure you credit that source.

Deadlines: The paper is due in class on Tuesday, November 6. Late papers without a valid, documented excuse, will be penalized a full letter grade.

Grading: I’ve included below my standard criteria for grading paper assignments. Please read these thoroughly and let me know if you have any questions about them; your paper will be assigned a letter grade based on these criteria.

A Expresses complex, independent thought with grace, clarity and force. Its purpose is clear from the start: it contains a thesis that is imaginatively, logically, and precisely developed. Not only is the paper organized, the organization does not seem mechanical or imposed. Any source material included is balanced and smoothly integrated into the essay. Each topical paragraph has a controlling idea, solid detail, and smooth transitions. The sentences are varied in length and structure. The writer chooses concrete, specific words and uses them correctly, employing diction that is distinctive and mature, with effective metaphors and analogies for clarity and emphasis. The essay contains no colloquialisms, clichés, or trite expressions. It is virtually free of grammatical and mechanical errors.

B Contains a clear thesis statement supported with good examples. The writer controls the essay’s development by arranging the examples supporting the thesis in an orderly and logical fashion. The essay is well-organized, but transitions are sometimes strained. Any source material included is smoothly integrated, and some independent conclusions are drawn. Each topical paragraph has a controlling idea and good supporting detail. The sentences are usually varied. The word choice is generally correct. The writer often goes beyond the automatic word choice to find one more precise and effective. The paper is generally correct mechanically, though there are some problems with complex grammar and punctuation traps.

C Contains a recognizable thesis and adequate development. Though the paper has some interesting parts, the interest is not uniformly maintained and the purpose is not always clear. There are very few errors in sentence structure by the sentences are not varied. The word choice is generally correct, but the range of words is limited, and in some cases the wording is abstract and imprecise. Source material included is relevant but not carefully integrated. This essay also has errors in syntax, spelling and punctuation. More importantly, it lacks an original, significant purpose or point of view.

D Meets only the minimum requirements of college writing. The writer approaches the topic in a conventional and predictable manner. The essay lacks imagination and insight. Though it still contains a thesis, it is poorly or mechanically developed. It also lacks adequate support of generalizations. Source materials are cited improperly, are not directly relevant, and/or overwhelm the essay. Some principle of organization is apparent but it is not successful followed. The diction is often imprecise and monotonous. The writer uses vague, ordinary words and relies on clichés and jargon. The essay contains sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and numerous basic errors in syntax, agreement, reference, spelling, and punctuation.

Assignment for Thursday, 10/25

For Thursday, read (and summarize) selections from Saskia Sassen, "Overview" and "Economic Restructuring as Class and Spatial Polarization," in the UP Reader.

Assignment for Tuesday, 10/23

For Tuesday, read Shefter's article on the "Political Economy of Fiscal Crises" in the UP reader. Don't forget that you will soon run out of opportunities for summaries, so I STRONGLY encourage you to submit one for this reading.

Mid-Term Exam - Thursday, 10/18

[REMINDER: There is no class on Tuesday, October 16.]

Your mid-term exam will be given in-class on Thursday, October 18. The exam will consist of two essay questions. You will be randomly assigned two of the following four questions:

1. Defend the structuralist critique of a pluralist view of urban politics.
2. “Blacks have not benefited from political incorporation.” Agree or disagree with this statement.
3. What factors motivated Progressive-Era reformers to challenge political machines? What factors contributed to their success?
4. Identify the competing sides in the battles over urban renewal in the 1960s and 70s. Were those who challenged renewal correct to do so?

You only have 80 minutes to complete both questions (although we can try to steal a few minutes from the break). So make sure you arrive to class ON TIME, and then make sure you manage your time carefully.

I look for two things in your answers. First is coherence; make sure you answer the question, and present a coherent, organized answer to it. It helps if you include an introductory paragraph that lays out your thesis and explains what will follow. A concluding paragraph that restates the thesis is also helpful. The second thing I look for is completeness. This does not mean to spit out everything you know about a subject; instead, include everything you can that is relevant to the question asked. Examples are helpful, but not required (unless the question specifically mentions it, like Q4 above). Finally, remember, there is no single right answer to these questions; your solution can be different from mine, as long as you provide evidence and argumentation.

Please note that you are allowed to bring ONE 3x5" index card to the exam. You can write whatever you would like on this card, on either side, using however small a font as you'd like - WITHIN REASON. Do NOT try to use 5-pt font to squeeze in every possible word you can; do NOT simply try to write out your essay, and then copy it into your exam book. You will have to submit your card with your exam, and I will not give credit for answers that are chiefly copied off of your card. I'm trying to give you the tools to succeed in this exam; please do not abuse my generosity.

One final note that is already in the syllabus: if you fail to show up for the exam, and are unable to produce a valid excuse WITH DOCUMENTATION, you will fail the exam.

Good luck! I'll see you Thursday.

Assignment for Tuesday, 10/11

For Thursday, read Dreier's article on "Empowerment Strategies" in the UP Reader. We will only discuss this breifly; the rest of the class will be spent on reviewing for next week's mid-term exam.

Please note that this is your LAST CHANCE for a second summary (due before the mid-term). You will not be allowed to make this one up later.

Assignment for Tuesday, 10/9

Read Mollenkopf's article in the UP reader, "Postwar Politics of Urban Development."

As a reminder, please note that this is your next-to-last chance to submit a summary before the midterm. (Don't run out of time!)

Assignment for Thursday, 10/4

For Thursday, read (and, if you'd like, summarize) Bridges and Kronick, "Writing the Rules to Win the Game," in the UP reader.