Human Geography essays

This is the take-home portion of the final. It counts as a part of the final. Though you have a week and can use your book, any extra material we’ve covered in class, and other sources, remember that this is still part of your test. It is worth ½ of the final exam grade. Plagiarism (using someone else’s work as your own without attribution) on this or any part of the final will cause you to receive a 0 in the class. You will probably need to look at other sources—library books, articles, websites, etc.—to address these questions, so please make sure you cite your sources.

Each essay must be 1000-1500 words. Single-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman, with normal margins is preferred. Your essays need to be in an essay format, including 1) a thesis statement, 2) paragraphs of evidence backing up your thesis, and 3) an introduction and conclusion. Spelling, grammar, and structure will all be graded. Each question has multiple bullet points. Make sure you address each one in your answer, integrating all the points into a cohesive whole—don’t write separate mini-essays for each bullet point.

Part II – Choose one of the following

1. Nationalism

2. Economics

3. Globalization

Part II

Nationalism:

 The modern state system is engaged in a struggle between the forces of supranationalism and devolution. Define both terms and give an example of each.

 With reference to the political and economic geographies of a region of your choice, discuss three (social, political, cultural, etc.) changes resulting from supranationalism. Then discuss three (social, political, cultural, etc.) changes resulting from devolution in that same region.

 How does nationalism affect processes of supranationalism and devolution, and how do those processes in turn affect nationalism?

Economics:

 Chart the development of capitalism. Where and when did it start? Discuss how major historical processes, developments, discoveries, and technological innovation affected capitalism.

 What is the nature of the relationship between a capitalist economy and government? How has that relationship changed over the course of the development of capitalism? In light of capitalism’s uneven development, compare that relationship between capitalism and government in developed (First World) and developing (Third World) countries. Use specific examples.

Globalization:

 The world is becoming increasingly globalized, which has interestingly caused a rise in importance of local, regional, and other non-civic identities (such as religious, ethnic, etc.). Give a comprehensive definition of globalization, including all the forms it takes, and then discuss why there is resistance to that process and why. Where is this resistance? Who are these people that are resisting globalization?

 Discuss how globalization has affected society, culture, economics, and politics in at least two different places over the past 40 years.