Midterm Exam 1: Introduction to Urban Studies (UPPP 4)
Directions: All students are required to choose between one of the following two
essay options. Answers should be approximately one to two pages long (double space,
12-point font and 1-inch margins). The paper should not exceed two pages (this does not
include the bibliography).
You are expected to use as many readings as possible to support your answers. We
are assessing you on your knowledge of course materials (lectures and readings).
Please use standard citations1 and include a bibliography. Please submit only in
MS Word or PDF (not Pages or Google Docs).
Due Wednesday, October 31 at 9:00 a.m. through Canvas.
Instructions: Your answers must be written in a standard essay format consisting of
a short introduction with a thesis statement, supporting paragraphs, and a
conclusion. The essay must address the three parts of the general prompt. Good
luck!
Essay Option 1: What makes urban environments unique?
1a. What were the attributes that made “urban” environments different from small
towns?
1b. How did these attributes of urban environments shape human relations and
cultures?
1c. . Identify the mechanisms that make cities more prone to freedom than other
environments.
Essay Option 2: Compare and contrast old and new urban environments.
2a. What were the classical characteristics of older cities (e.g. late 19th and early 20th
century)?
2b. How have the characteristics of cities changed over the past 50 years, and what
caused these changes?
2c. How does a place like Los Angeles (newer type of city) magnify or reduce the
problems identified by Louis Wirth in Chicago (older type of city)?
1 https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/2/
