Question 1: The Economist piece, "From Baby Boom to Baby Bust," discusses the issues of changing reproductive norms.
Part 1) Describe the generational trend experienced in China, in sufficient detail to include what processes have driven this trend.
Part 2) Identify and explain two consequences for China if the current trend continues (and hint, the Chinese did change their policies because of these potential consequences).
Question 2: The two articles on an Italian media campaign to encourage citizens to have children discuss several themes from the course. In an essay, address the following questions:
Part 1) Identify the total fertility rate of Italy in 2016 and explain why the Italian government felt the need to start the media campaign. Signal that you understand the concept of replacement level fertility.
Part 2) Using evidence from the articles, identify two reasons Italy has the total fertility rates it does.
Part 3) Both articles mention a backlash over the campaign's tone, linking the campaign to Fascist governments in Italy's history. Identify and describe the way the campaign seemed to transform the role of having children, according to critics.
Question 3: Define what it means to be an environmental determinist and discuss what the negative implications would be of this form of thinking today?
Part 1) Define what environmental determinism means.
Part 2) This is a bit more work. Identify at least two negative implications of this type of thinking in terms of how we explain human activity and then tell us more about them.
Question 4: Scenario: A new app is out that wants your geographic location so it can send you instant coupons and discounts to restaurants and shops that you drive or walk nearby. Based on the textbook, how is this an example of time-space convergence (between you and the shop-owner)? Discuss how the technology works to link you across space and consider the discussion on page 23 of GPS and GIS.
Identify and describe a potential negative of this technology.
Part 1) Define time-space convergence correctly.
Part 2) Discuss - Tell us how the technology works to link you with stores using geographic information such as location.
Part 3) Tell us one potential negative and explain why it is a negative. Naming it is not enough. What are the potential issues?