ENG 103
Archives Project Essay
For this essay, worth 40% of your ENG 103 grade, you will write an essay using material from the LaGuardia archives as your primary sources. You may use one additional source if you need, to supplement the archives, but no more than that. Your paper will explore the concept of “planned shrinkage” as introduced by Rodger Starr. You will have to perform two tasks on this paper:
First, discuss the social and economic context in which the “planned shrinkage” idea was introduced and the reactions to the idea as seen in newspapers of the time. This part should be a couple of pages (or more).
Then, discuss Rodger Starr’s personal philosophy (about human nature, particular populations, housing) as this is seen in the oral history report and how this philosophy is connected to his coming up with the idea of “planned shrinkage.” This part should be a couple of pages (or more).
Finally, reach your conclusions about the idea: given the social context, the financial reality of the city, and Starr’s own beliefs, how appropriate for the times do you judge his idea?
