Topic: Essay on Down the Asphalt Path
Instruction:
The midterm will be a take-home essay based on the assigned book. (Down the Asphalt Path). You must read the whole book for the midterm. I expect 3 or 4 pages double spaced, through turn-it in, by 11 February, 10 pm. The grading will be based on the quality of your writing: structure, expression, complexity, writerly, variety, correctness, poise.
I will provide you a prompt for the exam below. It will encourage you to conceptually identify a number of episodes in the history of the automobile (from the book) in which the success of the motor car can not be explained purely as the result of engineering innovations. I expect you to identify and describe and conceptualize these episodes. By conceptualize I mean: Name them, explain their context and background and arrange them in a consistent manner. You may even add some musing about what kind of an object the motor car is if it is not the outcome of engineering ingenuity. And, why not, what engineering is.
Think about how to structure your text. Title and subtitles are important. Do not transcribe extended passages from the book. Use terminology. Terms like history of technology, mobility, system, infrastructure, policy, subsidy, settlement structure etc may may come in handy. Think about the interconnection of the parts that must be in place for the entire system of motorized transportation to come about. You are welcome to include references to other modes of transport discussed in class, and especially to other readings. Proof-read your text carefully. I am giving you plenty of time because I want you to revise your text thoroughly, and to look at it with fresh eyes after a few days
The prompt:
Some historians think we have cars because Mr Daimler invented the internal combustion engine. Others say that the history and development of the automobile can not be told only in terms of engineering solutions. For them the automobile is part of a complex system which comes about because of various social, psychological, political, economical, legal and cultural factors. What does Down the Asphalt Path contribute to this question.
I also have a couple personal questions. This essay is on a book. Can you guys still write it? Please email me.
Thank you!
No. of Pages: 4
