Project Overview
A collaborative research project applying economic geography concepts to real-world issues.
The term project is your opportunity to apply the concepts and analytical frameworks from this course to investigate a real-world economic geography topic of your choosing. Working in teams, you will conduct original research, analyze spatial economic patterns, and present your findings to the class. This project develops critical thinking, research skills, and collaborative abilities essential for understanding complex economic-geographic phenomena.
Project Resources
Project Guidelines
- Team Size: 3-4 students
- Choose an economic geography topic
- Original research and analysis required
- Final presentation to the class
Deliverables
- Topic proposal (Week 4)
- Literature review (Week 8)
- Draft presentation (Week 12)
- Final presentation (Week 15)
Resources Available
- Data sources guide
- Research methodology tips
- Presentation templates
- Office hours support
Project Timeline
Form Teams & Brainstorm Topics
Form your research team and begin discussing potential topics that connect to course themes. Consider local, national, or international economic geography issues.
Topic Proposal Due
Submit a 1-page proposal outlining your research question, its relevance to economic geography, preliminary data sources, and team member roles.
Research & Data Collection
Conduct literature review, gather data, and begin analysis. Schedule a check-in meeting with the instructor during this period.
Literature Review Due
Submit an annotated bibliography of 8-10 academic sources and a 2-page summary of the relevant literature on your topic.
Analysis & Draft Preparation
Complete your analysis and begin preparing your presentation. Focus on clear visualizations and compelling narratives.
Draft Presentation & Peer Review
Present your draft to another team for feedback. Provide constructive criticism to your peer team as well.
Revisions & Final Preparation
Incorporate feedback, refine your analysis, and polish your final presentation materials.
Final Presentations
Present your research to the class (15-20 minutes per team). Submit all final materials including slides and any supplementary documents.
Guidance Videos
Choosing Your Research Topic ~12 minutes
How to select a compelling economic geography research topic, frame your research question, and scope your project appropriately.
Finding & Using Data Sources ~15 minutes
Overview of key data sources for economic geography research, including census data, trade statistics, and GIS resources.
Creating Effective Visualizations ~10 minutes
Best practices for maps, charts, and graphics that effectively communicate spatial economic patterns and relationships.
Delivering a Strong Presentation ~10 minutes
Tips for structuring your presentation, engaging your audience, and effectively communicating your research findings.
Grading Rubric
Your term project will be evaluated based on the following criteria:Research Question & Framework
20 points- Clear, focused research question relevant to economic geography
- Appropriate theoretical framework from course concepts
- Well-defined scope and geographic scale
- Original contribution or perspective on the topic
Research & Analysis
30 points- Appropriate and reliable data sources
- Sound analytical methodology
- Thorough analysis of spatial patterns and relationships
- Integration of relevant academic literature
- Critical evaluation of evidence and limitations
Presentation Quality
25 points- Clear and logical organization
- Effective visual materials (maps, charts, graphics)
- Engaging delivery and audience interaction
- Professional presentation materials
- Appropriate use of time (15-20 minutes)
Team Collaboration
15 points- Equitable distribution of work among team members
- Evidence of effective collaboration and communication
- All team members contribute to presentation
- Timely completion of all project milestones
Peer Review Participation
10 points- Thoughtful feedback provided to peer team
- Constructive and specific suggestions
- Responsive incorporation of feedback received
Sample Topic Ideas
Here are some example topics to inspire your research. You may adapt these or develop entirely new topics:
- Supply Chain Geography: How has a specific industry restructured its supply chain in response to recent disruptions?
- Regional Economic Transition: How is a former manufacturing region adapting to deindustrialization?
- Urban Development: What factors explain gentrification patterns in a specific city?
- Labor Geography: How do gig economy platforms affect workers differently across urban and rural areas?
- Green Economy: Where are renewable energy industries clustering and why?
- Trade Geography: How have tariffs affected trade flows between specific countries or regions?
- Innovation Geography: What makes certain cities or regions hubs for technology startups?
- Retail Geography: How has e-commerce changed the geography of retail in your region?