GEOGRAPHY 102: ASSIGNMENT #6

	    RESEARCH METHODS AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

This assignment is the forerunner of and the preparation for
ASSIGNMENT #7: PRESENTATIONS.  It also follows--I hope logically--
from earlier activities involving library and Internet resources.

Both ASSIGNMENT #6: RESEARCH and ASSIGNMENT #7: PRESENTATIONS are
in two parts.  In this present assignment you will produce a
research methods outline (PART ONE) and an annotated bibliography
(PART TWO).  In the next assignment (#7) you'll create a written
summary (PART ONE) and an illustrated oral report (PART TWO).
Both assignments--#6 & #7--will focus on the same research topic.

CHOOSING THE TOPIC
To begin these last formal assignments of the semester you will
first need to choose an appropriate topic for your research and
exposition.  This topic should be:
   GEOGRAPHIC in the sense that one or more of the Four Traditions
      (Pattison) or Five Themes (NCGE) is evident in its focus;
   LOCAL in the sense that pertinent illustrations and examples are
      readily available here in Northern California; and,
   LIMITED in the sense that a meaningful exposition of geographic
      patterns emerges from research conducted during one month.

Although other topics are certainly feasible, I would suggest
you think of one of these:
   A specific PHYSICAL PLACE, LANDSCAPE, or RESOURCE over whose
      "best use" humans contend; or,
   A specific COMMUNITY or SUB-CULTURE whose presence in and
      impact on local landscapes is clearly discernible.

Please check with me on the suitability of your proposed topic.

PART ONE: RESEARCH METHODS OUTLINE
Prepare a one-to-two-page outline that introduces your topic
and indicates specific steps in library, field, and Internet
research necessary to creating a report on that topic.

Begin the outline with a paragraph introducing your chosen
topic.  Include your reasons for selecting the topic.  Mention
any previous work you've undertaken on this or related topics.
Indicate any concurrent or anticipated future use you may make
of this topical research.

Follow the introduction with a research outline--specific,
detailed, appropriately focused.  Plan the activities you'll
need to undertake to bring a report on this topic to fruition.
Indicate a logical sequence of background reading, of field
work, of data collecting and display.  Group activities in
a chronological fashion (e.g., 1st, ...; 2nd,...).

While you may use incomplete sentences in your outline, be
certain that the entries are fully intelligible and free
of avoidable ambiguities.  If necessary, explain steps in
concise details.

PART TWO: ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
Prepare a one-to-two-page list of important resources
that undergird, document, and illustrate your topic.
Arrange the list to highlight three different types of
resources:
   * books, articles, and other published resources--
      array these alphabetically by author (or title);
   * websites and other electronic resources (e-mail)
      arrayed alphabetically be site title or contact;
   * field resources--sites, interviewees, contacts--
      arrayed either alphabetically or geographically.

Remember that the list can include background readings
of an introductory or general nature.

DUE DATES
Your target dates for ASSIGNMENT #6 are the following:

   W, NOV 5 -- a 10-second (!) report at the beginning of
      class that indicates your likely topic;
   M, NOV 10 -- another 10 seconds to tell us your final
      topic;
   M, NOV 17 -- submit both parts of ASSIGNMENT #6
   W, NOV 19 -- related ASSIGNMENT #7: PRESENTATIONS
      given out.
   M, DEC 1 -- the in-class presentations begin

LATER
ASSIGNMENT #7 will end the semester with these
individual in-class presentations.  After the reports
are finished I'll award prizes in several categories.