Discuss how one of the big drivers of future change may alter the urban structures and processes that we have discussed in class. Questions to consider could include: how will this phenomenon shape future urban policy, planning, and/or development? Who are the key actors shaping the future in regards to this topic, and are there clear winners and losers? What policy recommendations should policy makers and planners follow to ensure a successful urban future?

Topics to consider include: peak oil; global warming; solar technology; the internet and digital revolution; the COVID-19 pandemic, recession and aftermath; transportation technology; the baby boom tsunami; the millennial generation; the Great Recession; or another approved topic of your choice. Please note that you should feel free to fold other course topics like housing or gender into one of these other general topics. Other than that, if you choose a topic not listed here, you must get it approved. (The 8 topics listed are a lot of options already.)

Papers should reflect class readings and/or discussions and incorporate outside sources about your topic. You should cite the course readings and/or discussions about your topic as well as at least five outside sources. These sources can be journal articles, books, newspaper/magazine articles, interviews, and reputable websites. Wikipedia and similar websites will not be accepted as one of your four outside sources.

Your response should include text and at least five exhibits. The written portion is expected to be approximately 8 – 9 pages (double spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font and 1 inch margins, do NOT exceed 10npages in total). Exhibits may include charts, graphs, diagrams, simulations, illustrations, or other graphics. At least two of these exhibits should be of your own creation. You must provide a bibliography for quotations and ideas in your text and cite exhibit sources even if they are your own creation (e.g., Source: Author).

This assignment represents 20% of your final grade. A total of 200 points are possible.

The written portion of the assignment is worth approximately 140 points, which will be assigned according to the following criteria:
Does the paper offer a well-reasoned response to the questions raised?
Does the paper refer to class readings and/or lectures and include at least 4 outside sources?
Is it well written? Does it make sense overall? Are there spelling mistakes and typos?
Does the paper present critical thinking regarding the topic and themes of the course?

The exhibits are worth approximately 60 points total. Points are assigned according to the following criteria:
Do the exhibits help to illustrate and support concepts raised in the text? Do they help to illuminate an argument being made in the paper as a whole?

Are they thoughtfully produced? Again, as with the first assignment, thoughtfully produced does not necessarily mean pretty or artfully done. We’re looking for interesting ideas portrayed graphically in interesting ways this could mean a bar chart, a photomontage, or a collage the specific method is up to you. Also refer to the exhibits handout presented in class, and available on Blackboard.

If you include exhibits from other sources, is it clear why? Are outside exhibits cited properly?

A caution about plagiarism: As emphasized in class, it is important that all of your paper be of your own creation. You may borrow text and exhibits from other sources, BUT ONLY IF you explicitly cite those sources in each place where you have borrowed an item. Exact quotes must have quotation marks, and any text that is paraphrased must still cite the original source, e.g. … as reported by Williams (1998), or… adapted from Williams (1998), or simply (Williams, 1998). If you are unsure how to properly cite, see the Online Chicago Manual of Style (http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html)