First Essay Assignment due date

I will add five points to your grade if you prepare the paper early and allow me to review it with you.

In class we discussed how cities have evolved over time. The original reason for urbanization – largely one of decreasing the cost of manufacturing goods – has given way to other functions.

Use two sets of information to discuss the above idea.

A. Evaluate the data on steel industry employment in Pittsburgh. Discuss the theory on the reason the industry developed in the Pittsburgh area. Why did the industry dramatically decline in the area? Why was the local decline much greater than the decrease in steel employment nationally?

B. Use the article on the opening of the Warner Music building in Los Angeles to discuss the changing role of cities.

1. Discuss the original use for the building (more than a century ago) and how that relates to the initial impetus for urbanization. Note specifically where the auto plant was located in Los Angeles.

2. Discuss the evidence the article cites on the evolving role of downtown Los Angeles. What is now being produced in the area? What advantages does the center of Los Angeles have with respect to the activities now taking place there? Relate this to the changes in urban areas generally.