Place, Populations and Mobility: Geographic Perspectives

Geography 2330 – Place, Populations and Mobility: Geographic Perspectives

Lisa Ford

 

Geographical issues are complex; evidence about them is often contradictory, and different groups often hold strong opinions.  How can one sift through the evidence to formulate an informed opinion?  How can we determine what source of evidence is valid and formulate an opinion of our own?

 

The purpose of this assignment is to help you develop critical thinking skills by reviewing multiple sources of evidence about a contemporary population geography issue.  It will also help strengthen your research skills, by way of accessing and examining the content of multiple information sources, and allow you to explore an important issue at a greater depth. Please note that this assignment will require research work. Ultimately you will create an 7-8 page term paper that explores a population geography issue.

 

Outline and annotated Bibliography (10% of total grade)

                                            Due:  Oct 16^th, 2017 at 11:30 AM in class

 

For this assignment, you will A) create an annotated bibliography, B) create a one-page outline of your paper and where you reflect critically on two relevant sources for your paper (Note: you will have to look at many sources and then you pick the best two).  It is important to note that each annotation should identify how the source will contribute to your argument/thesis.

 

Make sure you attach the marking rubric found near the end of this document as the last page(s).  *Note, if you forget to attach the rubric document, you lose 2 marks out of 20, or 10%.  The assignment and marking rubrics will be posted on UM Learn.

 

1. A) ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

 

Sources

Your bibliography should contain 2 annotations, should fit on 1 page (and NOT go over) and should meet the following criteria:

• Both of your sources should be peer-reviewed academic journal articles
• Do not include encyclopedia or dictionary entries or newspaper articles. These are not peer-reviewed. You may consult these to learn background materials about your topic, but they should not be used for your annotations. Wikipedia is NOT acceptable, either now or in your paper.
• Your two sources must show two different perspectives for your argument/idea.For example, you might have one article that presents the information from an economic perspective, one that presents demographic information, or one that presents statistical information, etc.  You should choose two of the best articles and create annotations on them.

 

Annotations

Your 2 annotations should each do the following:

• summarize the article in your own words (rely primarily on your own words and phrasing—use summary and paraphrase, not direct quotations)
• identify the article’s argument (or main point).You may write something like, “the main argument is…”, or “the author concludes…”, or “the purpose of this article is to…”
• critique the article, or identify the source’s strengths and weaknesses. For instance, does the item offer a good introduction/background to the issue? Does the item deal with a particular aspect of the issue that is especially relevant to the problem? Do you find the piece accessible or is it geared to a more specialized audience? What is the nature of the piece?What makes it believable or not?  Is the author credible?  Why or why not?  What information does the author rely on?  What evidence do they provide? Are there visuals to make the piece easier to read?  Are the visuals beneficial?
• You do not have to answer all of these questions for each annotation, but they should get you thinking critically about the material.
• describe how this piece will contribute to your project (is it a main paper, a secondary or background information piece, statistical info…etc)

Format

For each of your sources, you should include an entry with relevant publication information in APA format.  In addition to the APA listed on the Univeristy of Manitoba’s website (linked in the course syllabus), good information about APA format can be found on the web at the Curtin University (http://libguides.library.curtin.edu.au/content.php?pid=141214&sid=1335391)

Organize your sources alphabetically by the author’s last name.

Each annotation should be no more than 1/2 page, single-spaced (thus, both MUST fit onto 1 page), Times New Roman, 12 Font, with regular margins (0.75 – 1.0 inch).  You do not need to reference statistics, numbers, or information in each piece as long as all the information comes from the identified source. If you were comparing the source to another article or book, then you would need to reference the other source. For example, if you wrote: this article will provide a contrasting point of view to Kellerman’s (2003) article… you need to provide the reference to Kellerman somewhere.

 

1. B) OUTLINE OF TOPIC

 

As you are researching the topic, and creating your annotated bibliography, you should decide what you think is an interesting way to frame your paper.  You should have been looking through the media on the issue and the first major step is to create a thesis statement based on your research and generate an outline.

 

The thesis statement is the most important step in this process.  In many ways, the thesis statement is the paper; it controls the content and the way in which it is viewed.  Your thesis statement is not a question but rather is the claim that the paper will advance, clarify or defend.  In other words, after reading the literature, what argument could you make about your topic?

 

Your outline will contain:

• background information/introduction (what is your issue? What is the pertinent background information about it?)
• a thesis statement (what is your argument?)
• identification of one “main” issue relating to your paper, and two other issues.In this manner you will show that you have knowledge of 3 issues/factors.

o   You only have 1 page for this assignment: you do not have room for every point you want to make in your essay, so you must pick the ones that highlight the main points

• conclusion (re-state the thesis statement in different words)

 

Format:

• point form is fine, though complete sentences should be used where possible
• relevant quotes, statistics and facts, properly referenced in APA format, should be used throughout the background and three issues sections

o   do not make a separate “statistics” paragraph, just integrate them into the text

• Times New Roman, 12 point font, 0.75-1.0 inch margins, and ONLY one page
• The references for your outline will appear on the next page.  You should have a minimum of 5 references for the outline, including 2 peer-reviewed journal articles.
  • You can/should use the references from your annotated bibliograpy in your outline

 

Complete Assignment Format

 

You will hand in 5 pages: 1) title page, 2) two annotations on one page, 3) a one page outline, 4) references page for the outline, with references in APA format, 5) the marking rubric.

 

Research Paper (20% of your total grade)

Due: December 1^st, 2017 at 11:30 AM in class

 

Your assignment must include:

• A full title page, including a title, the due date, and your full name and student number
• Your 7-8 page written essay, double spaced, times New Roman font, size 12, regular margins (0.75-1.0 inch).
• References (a minimum of 5 different peer-reviewed journal sources).
  • Note: having the minimum number of peer-reviewed references is required to avoid a failing grade.  If you are aiming for a good/excellent grade, you should have many more sources for your paper, properly documented on your references page in APA format
• At least 2 figures (graphs/charts/tables/pictures).
  • All figures must be RELEVANT, discussed in the paper, and properly referenced in APA format.
    • for example: “the number of births has increased by 73% in the five years since the new policy came into effect (Figure 1) (Smith, 2007)”
    • for example: “According to Smith (2007),  the number of births has increased by 73% (Figure 1) in the five years since the new policy came into effect”
    • for example: “As demonstrated in Figure 1, the number of births has increased by 73% in the five years since the new policy came into effect (Smith, 2007).”
    • Never include a figure that you don’t discuss in the text!
• The marking rubric on UM Learn, printed and attached as the last page.
  • Note: if you forget to attach the rubric, you lose 5 marks out of 100, or 5%.

 

In the essay, address the question asked, making sure you have:

• An interesting first sentence to capture the reader’s attention.
• A thesis sentence detailing what the paper is about (what is the goal or purpose of the paper?  To demonstrate something? To assess or review something?  To examine a theory or fact? etc.)
• A good introduction that includes a “roadmap” so the reader knows what to expect, including background information on your topic.  Depending on your topic, the introduction and background section may be a couple of paragraphs, or a few pages.
• The body of the paper should discuss the issue or go through the argument you are making.
• The conclusion should be well written and sum up what the paper was about.  Review the main points and make sure the reader knows you have made a solid argument or discussion.
• Finish with an interesting sentence, question, or a point of further research that could be done on the issue.
• At the end, the reader should feel that they understand what issue you were writing about, why it is important, what the major points or discussion issues are, and be left with a solid impression that you understand the topic.
• It is CRITICAL that you reference ideas, definitions, facts, numbers or quotations that you write down.  If it’s not your own idea, then you need to reference where it came from, and you MUST have a references section at the end of your essay.  All references must be listed, in alphabetical order (by author’s name) on the references sheet.  APA referencing style is preferred. If you have any questions about referencing…ASK!

 

You may find useful articles by searching the table of contents of key journals, searching key terms on GeoBase or Scopus.  United Nations Population Division and other divisions have both data and specialised papers, as do many national websites.

 

United Nations Demographic Yearbooks (http://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/products/dyb/dyb2.htm)

 

Population Reference Bureau – 2013 World Population Data Sheet

 

UNESCO Institute for Statistics

Human Development Reports (http://hdr.undp.org/en/)

 

Essays done for any class must be completely original.  You cannot submit the same assignment/paper more than once.

 

Option #1 – Evaluation of China’s One Child Policy

 

In 1979 China adopted a strict “One Child” Policy to control their population. In 2015 the government changed to a two-child policy. You will write a research paper evaluating China’s One Child Policy and identifying whether you think a Two-Child policy will likely reverse the effects of the One Child Policy.

 

You should include:

1) An introduction with background on the Policy (Why did they enact this policy and what did it entail? Who was affected? How did it work?) and a clear thesis statement that states your position whether the effects of the policy can be reversed or not.

2) At least 3 effects of the policy (for example: What effects did the enactment of this policy create, and how does it foster discrimination? What have been the benefits and challenges?…etc).  Elaborate on at least 3 of the effects in detail.

3) A conclusion where you re-visit your thesis statement and identify whether you think changing the policy will impact the effects you have described.  Is it enough to have a two-child policy?  Should there be other changes? Do you have any ideas what would be helpful?

 

You may NOT include pictures of Chinese babies.

 

 

Option #2 – Arranged marriage and dowry deaths in India

 

Dowries are illegal in India, but the cultural practice continues today and dowry deaths continue.  In this paper, you will explore the concept of dowries and dowry deaths, discuss whether the dowry deaths are really increasing or if there is just increased awareness and reporting of the problem, and identify two issues associated with dowry deaths.

 

You should include:

1) An introduction with background on dowries and dowry deaths (What are dowries? How has the concept of dowry evolved in India?  What are dowry deaths?  How have the numbers changed over time?) and a clear thesis statement indicating whether dowry deaths are increasing or not and why.

2) Identification of at least two issues regarding dowry deaths: i.e. political controversy, ethical controversy, changes in the cost of dowries over time and what this means for women, legal issues with dowries, cultural views on domestic violence, etc.

3) You may or may not choose to include a case study.

4) a conclusion where you re-visit your thesis statement and summarize your findings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Option #3 – Historical epidemics – economic and/or social implications

 

Epidemics have resulted in massive death tolls throughout human history.  For this paper option, you will chose either: the black death, cholera, Spanish influenza (1818-1819), or smallpox and discuss the demographic implications of the disease as well as either the economic or social implications.

 

You should include:

1) An introduction with background on your particular epidemic (i.e. location, cause, time, frequency, origin, vaccine, death rate, etc) and a clear thesis statement.

2) Identification and discussion of the demographic implications (how has the disease affected the population?  How frequently?)

3) Identification and discussion of the economic and/or social implications of the disease (what was the cost economically?  What changed as a result of the disease?  Which countries were most affected, why, and how?)

4) A conclusion where you re-visit your thesis statement and summarize the state of the disease today

 

 

Option #4 – Health inequalities and Aboriginal Peoples

 

In Canada, we have a health care system that is supposed to help everyone equally.  However, there are suggestions that this is not the case.  This paper option will examine the inequalities with regards to health care access for Aboriginal Peoples.

 

You should include:

1) An introduction with background on the aboriginal peoples in your paper and the social, economic, or other inequalities your paper will address.

2) Identification and discussion of the economic and/or social implications of health care access for aboriginal people (what are the issues?  Why are there inequalities?).  There are potentially a lot of ways to approach this topic, and it’s being left broadly stated so you can choose your approach.  You want to choose 2 or 3 inequalities to focus on, and discuss those in depth.

• You may choose whether you want to focus on just First Nations, Metis or Inuit peoples or identify areas of impact for 2 or 3 of these groups.

3) A conclusion where you re-visit your thesis statement and summarize the main issues in your paper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Option #5 – Education of women in developing countries

 

“Biological, cultural, and socioeconomic conditions together determine the number of children that a woman will have. These conditions influence her exposure to intercourse and her ability to conceive a child, as well as the number of children she may wish to have. Some factors include age at marriage, use of family planning methods, and breastfeeding. Many socioeconomic factors are also important influences on fertility. These factors are sometimes indirectly related. Education, urbanization, labour force participation, and infant mortality have a strong correlation with levels of fertility.” (Population Reference Bureau, 2011)

 

You will research demographic data (identified below) and research/discuss three conditions influencing large family size in less developed countries.  One of these factors must be education, but the other two are your choice.

 

You will evaluate statistics of five countries: two more developed (i.e. Canada and Germany), one in Sub-Saharan Africa, one in a less-developed country in Asia (i.e. not Japan, China, Korea, Singapore, etc), and one in a less-developed country in Central or South America.  Obtain statistics on:

• Crude Birth Rate and Crude Death Rate
• Total Fertility Rate
• Infant Mortality Rate
• Life Expectancy at Birth
• Percent of the Population with HIV/AIDS
• Percent of Married Women 15-49 Using Contraception
• GNI per capita
• Human Development Index Value
• Adult literacy (%) (hint: see UNESCO’s Institute for Statistics)

 

Once you have assembled your statistics for your countries, you will compare and contrast the lives of women in these various countries.  Does your demographic data show the link between “more developed” countries with healthier, smaller families and “less developed” countries and less healthy, larger families?   Does this fit the literature you have found?

 

You should include:

1) An introduction that identifies the three conditions you will be discussing that are factors in family size.  You should also identify your countries (and the reason for those choices, if applicable) and have a clear thesis statement

2) The statistics for the five countries, displayed in an easy to understand format

3) A discussion of the three conditions influencing large family size, including education and two other factors (this is the literature review)

4) A conclusion where you re-visit your thesis statement and identify whether the pattern you found in your data is consistent with the literature.