The purpose of this assignment is to familiarize you with a country and a major issue or problem, within
the context of globalization, confronting the country. During the quarter, we have covered various
topics, each concerned with an integral aspect of the modern urban experience. Taken together these
topics constitute the framework through which we can assess the effectiveness of an urban region in
providing its denizens with all components of the human ‘hierarchy of needs’ (see: Maslow, Hierarchy of
Needs).
This assignment is primarily analytic. You will choose a country and look at a specific problem or issue
within the context of globalization. In addition, you will provide a brief background of the country using
the concepts discussed in lecture (e.g. demographic characteristics, political economy, housing and
public health and so on (You may include geography, history, culture or other characteristics to provide
a more thorough description of your country—but don’t allocate too much real-estate to these
descriptive details). For the bulk of the paper (the analytic portion), you will focus on a specific problem
in one of the areas described in the previous section (i.e. demography, political economy, public health,
etc). In addition to describing the problem, its causes and effects, the impact of globalization, you will
discuss a policy solution to the problem. Irrespective of whether you have provided your own solution,
or one from the literature, you must make a compelling argument for its effectiveness in addressing the
problem or issue you have chosen. When picking a problem, please be as narrow or specific as possible.
For example, discuss a specific aspect of economic development such as the outsourcing of local
manufacturing due to globalization and its impact on income instead of discussing poverty in general.
Your final paper will be a maximum of 6 pages long, 1.5 or double spaced, not including references and
title page. You will use 1” margins and 12 pt font, preferably Times New Roman or Calibri. You can
include figures, charts, tables and other non-narrative elements to make your case, however, use them
appropriately and sparingly (and not as a replacement for substantive narrative content). Also citations
should be provided in the text with a reference list at the end of the paper (use APA or MLA format for
citations; again, the reference list will not count towards your page limit). There is no minimum page
limit.
RUBRIC:
-Major descriptive indicators or characteristics are included. Redundant information is at
a minimum. Figures, charts, tables, etc are not used as filler devices but complement the narrative
section (and vice-versa). The description does not contain any glaring holes or obvious omissions.
A specific problem is discussed. The description of the problem, including its history and
significance, is comprehensive, compelling and accurate. The indicators used to describe the problem
are appropriate (i.e. the relevant metrics are used). The impact of globalization is readily discernible and
connected clearly to the problem being discussed. Tables, charts, figures, etc. are used to supplement
the analysis and not as space fillers. Redundancies are minimal. The policy prescriptions (or
proscriptions) are logically connected to the problem and its causes (i.e. your solutions make sense)
