Movement through the geography of Los Angeles is an important element of the novel Southland. Through Jackie and others, we learn about boundaries, borders, and community(ies) throughout the city. Other course readings also shed light on the geography(ies) of Los Angeles. They highlight the spatialization of the city, the narratives of shifting, changing, and sometimes-constant relationships between and among these communities and the people who inhabit them. USING SOUTHLAND AND AT LEAST ONE OTHER READING FROM THE SYLLABUS, COMPARE AND CONTRAST HOW THE WORKS ENHANCE OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE SPATIALIZATION OF LOS ANGELES. You may draw limited supportive evidence from course field trips, but the primary focus of the essay must involve comparing and contrasting at least two written texts.

Advice: This prompt requires that you go beyond merely describing particular neighborhoods that appear in Southland and the other work(s) you select. A strong thesis will offer insight into how relationships between and among such areas in Los Angeles are addressed by the authors. Also be sure you consider both comparable and contrasting elements in the works you examine.