This
course has dealt with the impact of the globalization of economics and
communication as a result of the information technology revolution. It has also
explored political and economic tools that local communities can use to respond
to the dislocations they experience. How has what you have learned in this
course influenced your thinking about the political economy of California and
of your own home bioregion? Include at least two well-argued specific proposals
that the California legislature could consider for next year's budget
cycle.
Due
December 11. (Last class -- Late policy:
For papers submitted between December 11 and December 18, grade will be
lowered one grade. No papers
accepted after December 18.)
Suggestions for approaching the topic:
1. Identify one or two issues or problems
you feel passionate about. Why are
you interested in this (these) issue(s)?
What do you know about its (their) psychological and social causes
and/or context? You might want to conduct a web search to see what
organizations are interested in your issue(s).
2. What could state government do about
the issue? Offer two specific proposals
for legislative bills. They can
both address the same issue, or they may deal with two different issues. (Focus on state government, not the
federal or local governments, although state government might support local
solutions.)
3. What are the barriers in the legislature and the voting public to the implementation of your ideas? How can these barriers be overcome? (Remember that bills requiring new money require a 2/3 vote, while policies not requiring new money can be passed by the current progressive legislative majority. Do you think Governor Schwarzenegger will sign your bills?)
Keep in mind the following guidelines in writing your paper:
1)
Write clearly about your own understanding of the issue(s) you
are interested in.
2)
Connect the social context to your own personal experience.
3)
Document the main sources you have used to gather information about your
issue(s). This can include course
readings, web search, library research, reading for other classes, etc. APA format is recommended, but any
standard referencing format (e.g. MLA) is acceptable.
4)
Organize your thoughts in a meaningful way. While it can often be
helpful to start a paper by writing down your thoughts in the order they occur
to you, it is important for the final draft of the paper to be deliberate in
how you organize the paper. We have found outlining to be an extremely useful
process.
5)
We would prefer to see you explore a few ideas in depth rather than trying to
cover too much in a superficial way.
Grades will be based on:
1)
Inclusion of documentation, personal experience, and reflection.
2)
Depth and originality of thought. (The more you are learning new things
as you reflect and write, the better. Please do not just report on what you
already know and think).
3) Clarity and
organization of writing (including spelling, grammar, sentence structure, etc.)