RJA #7a: Evaluation of Sources

1.) Reference Article
"Position Paper on Dams and Environment" by Louis Jean Genepi
- I thought this article did a great job at presenting information for both sides of the fence regarding dams. The article is thorough by breaking down the article into many sections to ensure that they cover all aspects of dam construction. They emphasize the positives AND negatives in a very objective way. The article was written in the last 10 years, which I've heard that anything in the last 10years is fairly relevant and up to date. I think they could have done a much better job at citing their sources, and information, they provide so much information, but don't do a great job at documenting it.

2.) Book
Pearce, Fred. When the Rivers Run Dry. Boston: Beacon Press, 2006. Print.
- This book takes a clear stance on the economic and environmental impacts of dams, and presents compelling statistics with credible sources. It was published in 2006, and since it was not a work funded by The World Bank, it seeks to provide the truth on BOTH sides about dams. He gives undeniable statistics, that when compared with other works, seems fairly accurate. Unlike the previous article I just mentioned, he cites all his information clearly. He also uses interviews, and statements from leading political figures that only aid in his argument. I particularly like when he uses excerpts from the former commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation (who favors dams) and how he is extremely against dams and their negative affects. It makes for a very compelling argument!

3.) Periodical
Roy, Arundhati. The Greater Common Good. India: India book Distributor (Bombay), 1999. Print.
- Probably my favorite article, I love this because she gives the human side of dams. Yes it affects the environment and economy, however she gives the account FIRST HAND of the people. She is a renowned activist for social justice, so she dedicates her life to this kind of thing. She cites ALL her information, and when you check up on her references, they are legit. She frequently publishes articles, she frequently gives speeches, and travels all over to raise awareness, this to me establishes credibility because she doesn't just give an opinion and disappear. She gives good comparisons, statistics, images and primary sources! She wrote this article in 1999, which is still pretty current.

4.) Website
http://iresearch-reporter.com
- This website was amazing! I really love it. The articles seem very scholarly, and relevant. I like the breakdown of "key topics," "possibly useful," and "selected sources." It gives you a variety of elements to choose from based on your needs. I didn't find many articles that were outdated, or irrelevant. Most articles supplied good information, on both sides of my topic, it seemed objective which is helpful, because then you aren't always sifting through biased works.