Each student must write a 4-6 page typewritten double-spaced paper describing the city created and critiquing SimCity based on the readings. As part of your description, you should not only discuss the layout and features of your city, but describe problems and challenges you faced in making your city grow. In your critique, you should discuss how well the simulation reflects real world conditions. In this section, papers should identify assumptions behind the SimCity model of urban development and discuss them in the context of the readings. Consider the aspects of city development that SimCity ignores or glosses over. Think about whether the assumptions behind SimCity better reflect the views of one author rather than another. Make sure to provide footnotes or a bibliography for any readings you cite.
Each student must either hand in either a disk with a saved city on it, or a printout of their city with their paper.
Grades will reflect how well the paper demonstrates (1) an understanding of the principles underlying the SimCity simulation, and (2) an ability to discuss and critique these principles. Grades on this project will not be related to your success in creating a flourishing city. For this reason, there is no incentive to "cheat" by injecting additional funds into your city treasury (and, after all, real cites cannot make real money appear out of thin air).
Papers are due at the beginning of class on September 23. Students will receive a lower grade for each day the paper is late (i.e. one day late results in a B+ becoming a B; two days a B-). Extensions will be granted only in cases of extreme emergency and if the instructor is contacted in advance of the paper deadline.
Completing the assigned reading in City Limits by Paul E. Peterson is strongly
recommended before writing the paper. I will also place on reserve at Thomas Cooper
Library a copy of an article from the American Prospect that critiques SimCity.
Students are also encouraged to discuss the readings and ideas together before writing the
paper in order to gain a better understanding of the material. However, each paper must be
on your own city and reflect your own ideas and thoughts.
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The views and opinions expressed in this page are strictly those of the page author. The contents of this page have not been reviewed or approved by American University. If you have any questions about this page, please email David Lublin at dlublin@american.edu. This page was last updated on August 15, 1998.