Friday, May 7, 2010
RJA 15
This has been quite the semester of writing, however this class has really enabled me to sharpen not only my writing skills, but my critical thinking skills as well. I chose a topic that was not necessarily hard to find information on, but pertinent information that was concise and not repetitive was a bit difficult. My topic just shed light on a topic that would not ordinarily spark my interest. Also, writing a research paper, and doing the actual research was not something I was looking forward to, but found that in the end was extremely beneficial. Certain websites that Prof. Clark posted, or different articles/sources that I found throughout this process will stay with me my entire academic career. The feedback from peers was wonderful was well, I loved how interactive it was for an online course. All in all, this class was extremely helpful in breaking down the research process, and constructing a research paper. It was also great to see the topics everyone picked, why and how they were pertinent to each person. Great course!
Friday, April 23, 2010
RJA #13c: Application Project Example
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-07/15/content_348413.htm
I liked this article because it portrayed the gravity of the situation through words and pictures. This article illustrated the struggle for citizens after they have been displaced, also it gave key facts concerning the massive relocation of people. It gave key facts in retribution from the government, the new quality of life people were facing, and what their opinion was. This article was slightly biased, but gave a fairly good objective point of view. It stated facts, and interviewed citizens to get the real story. It gave two different examples of people affected by the dam, one person doing okay, the other not. I think I can learn from this example to give objective based reporting, to create an organizational flow and implement voice. Overall, I think this will be a good article to mirror.
I liked this article because it portrayed the gravity of the situation through words and pictures. This article illustrated the struggle for citizens after they have been displaced, also it gave key facts concerning the massive relocation of people. It gave key facts in retribution from the government, the new quality of life people were facing, and what their opinion was. This article was slightly biased, but gave a fairly good objective point of view. It stated facts, and interviewed citizens to get the real story. It gave two different examples of people affected by the dam, one person doing okay, the other not. I think I can learn from this example to give objective based reporting, to create an organizational flow and implement voice. Overall, I think this will be a good article to mirror.
RJA#13b: Application Project Plan
For my application project I have decided to write a newspaper article. I think the approach I am going to take is to report on a local village and how they have been affected by recent dam construction. I am going to start by explaining the environmental implications the dam has had on the village, how the village has tried to adapt to their new environment without a flowing river. I am also going to report in this newspaper article how the village people have been asked to leave so they can continue with dam construction. I will report in the newspaper article how their quality of life has been affected, and also how the environment has changed the area.
Friday, April 16, 2010
RJA#12b: Field Research Report
I conducted a survey of twenty people, who's ages ranged between 21 and 64. I chose people with various backgrounds (e.g. jobs, ethnicity, age, political views etc). I asked what they thought of dams and their environmental and economic roll, the outcome was very interesting, and not what I expected.
Four People: (ages 35, 23, 26, and 30)
- Believe that dams have grave implications (economically and environmentally). These four people were able to give examples backing up their points.
Twelve People: ( ages 21, 26, 27, 23, 25, 64, 58, 59, 52, 48, 49, 31)
- believed that dams did not significantly alter ecology and biodiversity.
Four People: (ages 62, 41, 23, 24)
- argued that without dams our nation would not have progressed as it has, therefore whatever implications that dams "supposedly" incur, it did not outweigh progress.
Four People: (ages 35, 23, 26, and 30)
- Believe that dams have grave implications (economically and environmentally). These four people were able to give examples backing up their points.
Twelve People: ( ages 21, 26, 27, 23, 25, 64, 58, 59, 52, 48, 49, 31)
- believed that dams did not significantly alter ecology and biodiversity.
Four People: (ages 62, 41, 23, 24)
- argued that without dams our nation would not have progressed as it has, therefore whatever implications that dams "supposedly" incur, it did not outweigh progress.
RJA#12a: Annotated Bibliography, Part 3
1.)
Bezlova, Antoaneta. "Three Gorges Dam May Displace Millions More." Environment China 12 Oct. 2007. Web. 13 Feb. 2010.
Antoaneta gives some powerful statistics regarding dam displacement. Not only does she account for reservoir displacement, but she sheds an interesting light on the thousands to millions more that will need to evacuate based on repercussions from dam development. Bezlova is very factual, taking great care to be a voice for the people affected adversely because of dams. She advocates for their rights, and is a powerful resource for people displaced by dams. Very concise!
2.)
Pamoa, E. Tedonkeng, and M N. Tchambab. "Elephants and Vegetation Change in the Sahelo-Soudanian Region of Cameroon." Journal of Arid Environments 48.3 (2001): 243-53. Print.
This was an interesting journal, although only some of it applied to me. It did account for the biodiversity affected as a side effect of dams. Typically we think of aquatic life being affected by dams, however this journal argues (as in the case for elephants) that it goes beyond just affected aquatic life. It affects migratory patterns of many species, elephants in particular in this case, because dam infrastructure has such monumental affects. This journal is good at encompassing vegetation change etc, but I was more focused with what they had to say regarding migratory routes.
3.)
Xi, Juan, Sean-Shong Hwang, Xiaotian Feng, Xiaofei Qiao Qiao, and Yue Cao. "Perceived Risks and Benefits of the Three Gorges Project." Sociological Perspectives 50.2 (2007): 323-37. Print.
This article was a good non-biased, very objective source for the cost/benefit analysis of dam displacement and environmental damage. It illustrated the gains as well as the loses. While their were writing from a Chinese perspective on the Three Gorges Dam in China, it is clear that though they are being objective, they are clearly in support of the dam. Even though this dam is said to be the most catastrophic known to man. At any rate, they do give a good opinion of what they believe is worth the risk to provide to "the greater good of the people."
4.)
Cantor, Doug. "5 of the Largest, Oddest and most Useless State Projects." cnn.com/living. CNN, 12 Oct. 2006. Web. 27 July 2007.
This article was funny and factual. Doug Cantor briefly describes how the Teton Dam was useless. He describes how the government could have avoided unneeded damages, costs, and lives had they been more receptive to suggestions about preventative care maintenance. At any rate, Cantor describes the demise of the dam, and the damage it caused as a result of complacency. He describes the dangers of dam infrastructure as they age, and cannot support itself anymore without maintenance.
5.)
Pearce, Fred. When the Rivers Run Dry. Boston: Beacon Press Books, 2006. 130-40. Print.
Gives really good statistics, and information regarding water crisis and how dams really aren't the solution. Fred Pearce conveys the information easily and makes you understand just how detrimental dams really are. His book primarily focuses on environmental aspects, and how grand a scale they play in society. He also offers a comparison of a cost/benefit analysis. This source was VERY helpful!
Bezlova, Antoaneta. "Three Gorges Dam May Displace Millions More." Environment China 12 Oct. 2007. Web. 13 Feb. 2010.
Antoaneta gives some powerful statistics regarding dam displacement. Not only does she account for reservoir displacement, but she sheds an interesting light on the thousands to millions more that will need to evacuate based on repercussions from dam development. Bezlova is very factual, taking great care to be a voice for the people affected adversely because of dams. She advocates for their rights, and is a powerful resource for people displaced by dams. Very concise!
2.)
Pamoa, E. Tedonkeng, and M N. Tchambab. "Elephants and Vegetation Change in the Sahelo-Soudanian Region of Cameroon." Journal of Arid Environments 48.3 (2001): 243-53. Print.
This was an interesting journal, although only some of it applied to me. It did account for the biodiversity affected as a side effect of dams. Typically we think of aquatic life being affected by dams, however this journal argues (as in the case for elephants) that it goes beyond just affected aquatic life. It affects migratory patterns of many species, elephants in particular in this case, because dam infrastructure has such monumental affects. This journal is good at encompassing vegetation change etc, but I was more focused with what they had to say regarding migratory routes.
3.)
Xi, Juan, Sean-Shong Hwang, Xiaotian Feng, Xiaofei Qiao Qiao, and Yue Cao. "Perceived Risks and Benefits of the Three Gorges Project." Sociological Perspectives 50.2 (2007): 323-37. Print.
This article was a good non-biased, very objective source for the cost/benefit analysis of dam displacement and environmental damage. It illustrated the gains as well as the loses. While their were writing from a Chinese perspective on the Three Gorges Dam in China, it is clear that though they are being objective, they are clearly in support of the dam. Even though this dam is said to be the most catastrophic known to man. At any rate, they do give a good opinion of what they believe is worth the risk to provide to "the greater good of the people."
4.)
Cantor, Doug. "5 of the Largest, Oddest and most Useless State Projects." cnn.com/living. CNN, 12 Oct. 2006. Web. 27 July 2007.
This article was funny and factual. Doug Cantor briefly describes how the Teton Dam was useless. He describes how the government could have avoided unneeded damages, costs, and lives had they been more receptive to suggestions about preventative care maintenance. At any rate, Cantor describes the demise of the dam, and the damage it caused as a result of complacency. He describes the dangers of dam infrastructure as they age, and cannot support itself anymore without maintenance.
5.)
Pearce, Fred. When the Rivers Run Dry. Boston: Beacon Press Books, 2006. 130-40. Print.
Gives really good statistics, and information regarding water crisis and how dams really aren't the solution. Fred Pearce conveys the information easily and makes you understand just how detrimental dams really are. His book primarily focuses on environmental aspects, and how grand a scale they play in society. He also offers a comparison of a cost/benefit analysis. This source was VERY helpful!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
RJA#11: Annotated Bibliographies, Part 2
1.) Tan, Raymond. "Alternatives to Dams." Environe. N.p., 19 May 2008. Web. 10 Apr. 2010.
This source was really wonderful in regards to alternatives to dams. It provided a variety of different perspectives on different approaches to solutions. It included ideas on spending money for researching new ways, in addition to utilizing energy efficient technology we already have. It suggested implementing and trying new avenues like fuel cell technology, as well as just fixing and rehabilitating older dams. It also talks about dam decommissioning, and restoring river life as a means to alternatives to dams.
2.) Chao, Liang. "More Bid Farewell to Three Gorges." China Daily 15 July 2004. Web. 9 Apr. 2010.
This newspaper article was by far the best article I have found that deals directly with displaced people of a dam. The article was clearly written objectively and gave two very good accounts of life for a resettled person after they’re forced to leave. This article in China Daily expresses the hardships, personal feelings/attitudes as a result of their new life. This article also accounts for two different people affected by the dam. One citizen made out okay with government retribution, while the other has lost everything. A very good objective article!
3.) Barlow, Maude. Blue Covenant: The Global Water Crisis and the Coming Battle for the Right to Water. New York: The New Press, 2007. Print.
Maude Barlow is more focused on the distribution of fresh water around the world, but she is relevant to my topic when discussing the distribution and cleanliness of the water. This source is brief but useful in that she discusses the effects that low quality water has on people. Astounding statistics of people dying from preventable diseases as a result of poor water quality (diarrhea etc.) as a result (in part) of dams. Maude Barlow is a very credible resource to use because she is a leading activist for public distribution of water, one of the main problems when dams get built, they claim the water will be distributed evenly, but rarely are.
4.) Burke, Edmund, and Kenneth Pomeranz. The Environment and World History. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2009. Print.
This book was a wonderful portrayal of how dams (even since pre-colonial/colonial times) stood for symbols of national development and economic power. Dams remain symbols for national pride, even when their benefits are less than the cost. This source really shed light on and insisted the prominence dams have had in our history. It even goes as far to say that dams have been our consistent endeavor to conquer the land even when it has catastrophic consequences. I really like this source as an economic standpoint because it has been the most thorough in supplying evidence that dams have always been an imperialistic representation.
5.) Getis, Arthur, Judith Getis, and Jerome D. Fellman. Introduction to Geography. 12th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2009. 145-46. Print.
This has been an incredible source for environmental impacts of dams. Not only does it list what the repercussions dams have on the environment, but it gives detailed examples. It breaks down hard terms associated with dam problems that you might not be familiar with unless you’re an environmentalist, agriculturist, or engineer. This source focuses only on environmental effects, upstream and downstream, as well as all the development that accompanies a dam. It is one of my favorite sources!
This source was really wonderful in regards to alternatives to dams. It provided a variety of different perspectives on different approaches to solutions. It included ideas on spending money for researching new ways, in addition to utilizing energy efficient technology we already have. It suggested implementing and trying new avenues like fuel cell technology, as well as just fixing and rehabilitating older dams. It also talks about dam decommissioning, and restoring river life as a means to alternatives to dams.
2.) Chao, Liang. "More Bid Farewell to Three Gorges." China Daily 15 July 2004. Web. 9 Apr. 2010.
This newspaper article was by far the best article I have found that deals directly with displaced people of a dam. The article was clearly written objectively and gave two very good accounts of life for a resettled person after they’re forced to leave. This article in China Daily expresses the hardships, personal feelings/attitudes as a result of their new life. This article also accounts for two different people affected by the dam. One citizen made out okay with government retribution, while the other has lost everything. A very good objective article!
3.) Barlow, Maude. Blue Covenant: The Global Water Crisis and the Coming Battle for the Right to Water. New York: The New Press, 2007. Print.
Maude Barlow is more focused on the distribution of fresh water around the world, but she is relevant to my topic when discussing the distribution and cleanliness of the water. This source is brief but useful in that she discusses the effects that low quality water has on people. Astounding statistics of people dying from preventable diseases as a result of poor water quality (diarrhea etc.) as a result (in part) of dams. Maude Barlow is a very credible resource to use because she is a leading activist for public distribution of water, one of the main problems when dams get built, they claim the water will be distributed evenly, but rarely are.
4.) Burke, Edmund, and Kenneth Pomeranz. The Environment and World History. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2009. Print.
This book was a wonderful portrayal of how dams (even since pre-colonial/colonial times) stood for symbols of national development and economic power. Dams remain symbols for national pride, even when their benefits are less than the cost. This source really shed light on and insisted the prominence dams have had in our history. It even goes as far to say that dams have been our consistent endeavor to conquer the land even when it has catastrophic consequences. I really like this source as an economic standpoint because it has been the most thorough in supplying evidence that dams have always been an imperialistic representation.
5.) Getis, Arthur, Judith Getis, and Jerome D. Fellman. Introduction to Geography. 12th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2009. 145-46. Print.
This has been an incredible source for environmental impacts of dams. Not only does it list what the repercussions dams have on the environment, but it gives detailed examples. It breaks down hard terms associated with dam problems that you might not be familiar with unless you’re an environmentalist, agriculturist, or engineer. This source focuses only on environmental effects, upstream and downstream, as well as all the development that accompanies a dam. It is one of my favorite sources!
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