Recognizing that we have, unfortunately, missed a couple of classes, the following assignment will be fairly straightforward. At the same time, it will require you to think very deeply and carefully about the material we have covered thus far, both in our lectures and in our class discussions. To do well on this assignment, moreover, you will likely have to do some additional outside research. This said, your assignment is as follows:

First, think about and then write an essay based on this question: What are the main challenges to "development" today? This is obviously a very broad question. This is largely because there are dozens, if not hundreds, of ways to address the issue of "development." Whatever way you choose, however, make sure you avoid over-simplification and/or superficiality. For example, consider how globalization and interdependence may have complicated the issue of development. Also consider the costs of development and how these costs may make certain strategies or choices extremely problematic for the future of the planet. It is important, too, to think about the issue of development from a theoretical perspective—this requires you, of course, to consider which theory of development offers the best explanation or understanding of the development process. It is necessary, too,

In addition to addressing the general question posed above, your response must focus on at least three specific "cases"—i.e., actual countries or societies (like China, India, Chile, Somalia, etc.) that are facing the problem of "development." While your choice of cases is up to you, do NOT choose three very similar cases. Instead, try to choose three very different cases (different in terms of size, geographic location, demographic profile, natural resource endowment, religious or ethnic makeup, and so on). In looking at these three different cases, you should also ask the question: What do these differences tell us about the challenges of development? (NOTE: It’s in this part of the assignment that outside research will be the most important. In other words, you need to find out something about the three or more cases you choose.)

Note on Grading. I grade your papers holistically. That is, I look at your paper as a whole rather than as individual parts. As a whole, everything you say and write must be both clearly written and strongly connected. Your paper, in other words, must be coherent, well-organized, and "polished" (i.e., correct grammatically, relatively free of grammatical and other writing errors, and neatly typed). Moreover and more specifically, in my holistic evaluation, I look for papers that (among other things):

1. clearly and explicitly address all of the stated requirements (above and below), and which also reflect serious thought and thorough analysis;
2. incorporate material and ideas from both required readings and lectures in a meaningful, thoughtful, and above all, critical manner;
3. support any and all claims with relevant and sufficient evidence; and
4. are carefully "crafted" such that every element of the paper is connected in a clear and coherent manner; and
5. are well-written in terms of grammar, style, and format.

If your paper unequivocally fulfills all of the points above, it will almost certainly earn an "A." Other papers will earn lesser grades. Papers that are "slapped together" with little effort and even less thought, may receive a failing grade.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS. All papers must be typed and double-spaced. Use standard type fonts (e.g., Times, Helvetica, or similar typefaces), a standard size (12 points), and standard margins (1" top and bottom, 1" to 1.25" right and left). Make sure you carefully and thoroughly proofread your papers. A few typographical and/or grammatical errors are not a problem, but a paper filled with errors (say, 5~10 per page) is definitely not. If you turn in a sloppy, error-filled paper, do not expect to receive a passing grade!

SUGGESTIONS. Since we may not have a chance to discuss this assignment in class, I encourage you to e-mail me any questions you may have (tclim@calstatela.edu). Please don’t wait until the last minute, however. If you do, there is a chance I will not have an opportunity to respond. Plus, it’s just a good idea to get started as early as possible.

There is no minimum or maximum page length required. Write what you think is both necessary and adequate. Still, a reasonable range is between 4 to 7 pages.

Finally, I understand this assignment is, in certain ways, open-ended, which may give some of you trouble. My intention, however, is not to confuse you, but encourage you to think creatively, but critically. If you do both, you should do fine.