PROJECT SPACE

Professor Koning
Spring 2014

Having completed an abbreviated ethnography/space analysis in 113A, you are ready to take on a more in-depth
space analysis. This project considers the socioeconomics and politics of space. While space can be defined as
urban, community and personal, it may also be institutional (e.g. the university and hospital). Were interested
in how space shapes our conception of world, self, and other.

Project Space requires that you form groups of 4 or 5 to do fieldwork (go beyond the classroom) and report on
the physical and cultural geographies of a particular area or structure, the virtual or material representation of
that area or structure; and/or the effects of a particular area or structure on our understanding of race, class and
gender (e.g. how your building reflects racialized or classist attitudes). A survey and demographic analysis
must be conducted/completed by each group.

Project Space Options:

One specific shopping center
Two shopping malls/supermarkets/etc., one in an affluent neighborhood and one in a working class/less
affluent neighborhood or with two different objectives (e.g., Rodeo Drive vs. Panorama City; The
Americana vs. Glendale Galleria)
Disneyland or other theme park
Las Vegas
A particular attraction/destinatione.g., San Diegos Gaslamp District, Santa Barbaras State Street,
Santa Monica Pier/Promenade, etc.

This is not an exhaustive list. Please see me for approval if you have other ideasI am excited to hear them!

Resources:

Mike Davis, Fortress Los Angeles
Michael Sorkin, See You in Disneyland
Kenneth Jackson, All the Worlds a Mall
Margaret Crawford, The World in a Shopping Mall


Requirements:

Moodle reflections (10 points each 30 points total). Each student is required to post 3 Moodle
posts reflecting on the idea of space. The reflection may be a response to a particular reading
assignment or to an idea discussed in class relevant for your Project Space paper. Each post should be
350-500 words in length, be academic in content and style, and should incorporate outside links to
course-related Websites or use some form of new media/visual rhetoric.

Prospectus (25 points). Each student is required to submit a 1-page prospectus that presents your
thesis and includes an informal outline of your ideas and anticipated essay structure. Your prospectus
must also include an annotated bibliography of at least 2 academic library sources you will be using
in your essay. Our course reading(s) can be included but cannot count for one of the two library
sources.
o Your annotated bibliography should include at least two MLA-formatted citations, each with a
100-150 word summary. (How to Write an Annotated Bibliography - Purdue OWL)

Peer Review (15 points). Each student will post a rough draft of their Project Space paper to an
assigned peer review group forum on Moodle and then complete detailed peer review feedback and
evaluations for each peer in his or her group.

Group presentation (30 points). Each group of four (one group will have three members) will
report on the fieldwork done that explores the implications and effects of space. The presentation
should use new media technologies (e.g. PowerPoint, Google presentation, video, website) and be at
least 15 minutes in length. A survey and demographic analysis conducted/completed by the group must
be included as well as real-world examples and references to the readings. A works cited must also be
included at the end of the presentation.

o Presentations will be assessed per the presentation rubric.
o Each group member will complete a one-page self-evaluation describing her or his contribution
to the group.

Formal Argumentative Essay (100 points). Each student will write a formal argumentative essay
(at least four pages, Times New Roman 12 point font) that further explores an issue highlighted during
the group fieldwork.

Project Space Paper

Consider how the particular space you studied during your group work reflects some form of ideology or how it
shapes our understanding of difference. Does the space highlight a specific social and/or political issue? Does
the space reflect socioeconomic concerns? Are certain issues connected/related to particular spaces? With
this in mind (as well as issues related to Garbology and consumerism discussed last semester for those of you
continuing on with me), respond to one of the following questions for your Project Space Paper:

How do you define your selected space(s)?
What are the similarities/differences between your selected spaces and what are the implications?

Your paper must include:

A detailed description of your selected space(s)
Data gathered from your survey/demographic research (findings)
Research from at least four credible academic library sources
A thorough analysis of the meaning of your selected space(s)
A works cited page


Essay Requirements:

A 1-page prospectus that presents your essay introduction and thesis, and an informal outline of your
ideas and anticipated essay structure. Your prospectus should also include an annotated bibliography
of at least 2 outside sources you will be using in your essay.
o Your annotated bibliography should include the MLA citation and a 100-150 word summary of
your source. (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/614/01/)

Peer Review
o You will participate in peer review with your group members. You will review your peers
essays and they will review yours.

Polished draft that is at least four typed, double-spaced pages, formatted according to MLA
guidelines with Times New Roman 12 pt. font and 1 margins. You must include a Works Cited
page.
o Research is required for this assignment. You should include material from at least 4 academic
sources (from your own research, not class readings). Any outside material you include must be
from credible sources such as material from the library, articles from the library databases or
newspaper/journal articles. If you are using material that comes from a source other than those
Ive listed, you must show me the material for approval.
o Your essay should be argumentative and thesis-driven, supported with logical reasons,
explanations and evidence.
o Because there is always more than one side to an issue, your essay should incorporate and
discuss possible counterarguments and opposing views.
o Your essay should reflect rhetorical awareness and address a general, academic audience.


Due Dates:

02.09.14 Essay 1 Prospectus due (Moodle) by 11:55 PM
02.11.14 Project Space Presentations (in class)
02.13.14 Project Space Presentations (in class)
02.20.14 Post Rough Draft to Group Forum for Peer Review
03.02.14 Essay 1 Polished draft due (Moodle) by 11:55 PM