Write and submit an essay that compares two geographic regions that we have covered in class. Comparisons should emphasize themes discussed in class such as cultural and historical geography, economic geography, geopolitical issues, or regional issues and landscapes. The essay should be at least 750 words.
Instructions:
Select two of the regions that we have covered so far in class (do not select the same two regions that you wrote about in your first essay):
Europe
Russia and the Near Abroad
the Middle East and North Africa
South and East Asia
Oceania and Antarctica
Sub-Saharan Africa
Latin America
the United States and Canada
Select one of the general topics that each chapter covers. Do not select Area and Population. Choose one of the others:
Physical Geography and Human Adaptation
Cultural and Historical Geographies
Economic Geography
Geopolitical Issues
Regional Issues and Landscapes
Once you’ve selected your topic, begin researching your essay. You should use the textbook to research your topic. If possible can somone please use the text book, “Fundamentals of World Regional Geography, Fourth Edition by Joseph J. Hobbs.” When you write the essay, include examples from the text and indicate what page numbers your examples come from. You can do this simply by including page number references at the end of your sentences, ex. (p. 183). For this essay, I want to see that you are able to find and analyze information from the textbook. So, you do not need to include any outside sources.
Here are some considerations that may help when you are selecting your topic and researching your essay:
Your essays will be most effective if you can find something similar between the different regions that results in a different outcome. For example, the Loess Hills are a fertile agricultural region of Iowa. China has the Loess Plateau, which contains similar mineral rich soil. However, the Loess Plateau in China is not a well-developed agricultural region. There are a variety of reasons why this is the case that you could discuss.
You do not need to write about the entire region covered in the textbook. You just need examples from two different regions. For example, you could compare western Europe to North Africa, or you could compare cities like Moscow and Dubai.
Similarly, you do not need to write about everything for each general topic a chapter covers. For example, if you selected Geopolitical Issues, you could just write about one issue.
After you have completed your research, write a well-developed essay a minimum of 750 words in length. You should follow a standard essay writing style. Include an introduction and conclusion with multiple paragraphs of support. You should also include a title, and you should put your name in the heading. Other than those basic considerations, I am not concerned about your formatting choices (margins, line spacing, etc.).
Grammar and mechanics is a very small portion of the grade. However, you should still proofread your essay after you’ve written it.
Once your essay is complete, save it as a PDF and upload it to Canvas.
Once you’ve submitted your essay on Canvas, it will be automatically scanned by Copyleaks, which is a built in Canvas tool that scans your essay for plagiarism and the use of generative AI. If it detects a significant level of duplication from other sources, I will contact you regarding your options.
If you have questions, you can ask them in the discussion, or you can just email me.
