Write a 2-3 page discussion of EACH of TWO of the following topics. The total length of the paper thus should be at least 4 and no more than 6 pages (typed, double-spaced). References do not count toward your page total. If necessary, you may include 1-2 pages of illustrations, photographs, graphs, or charts, but these are neither expected nor required.


1. How seismically safe are California K-12 schools? Discuss California legislation related to schools -- not just the design and construction of the buildings, but also the role of schools in the aftermath of an earthquake. You might begin by searching for information on the Field Act and the Katz bill.

2. Several major highways and bridges collapsed or were severely damaged during the Loma Prieta and Northridge earthquakes. Why did some highways and bridges collapse while most survived undamaged? Which highways and bridges in the Bay Area are most at risk in future earthquakes, and why?

3. California is in the midst of a crisis in earthquake insurance for homeowners. Explain the current situation, the history of events that preceded the current situation, possible results of recent developments, and suggested or possible solutions to the crisis.

4. Hypothetical scenario: A shoe store collapses in the next Bay Area earthquake, killing four customers. Their relatives sue the store owners (who also own the building) for damages. What information will judge or jury need to be able to reach a verdict on this case?

5. Summarize the reported evidence for strange animal behavior before earthquakes (do NOT include personal experience or hearsay, e.g., your or your friend's cat). Discuss the suitability of such behavior for predicting future earthquakes.


Here is a partial listing of information sources you can consult:
SJSU or any public library city, county, or state officals or agencies newspapers, magazines, scientific articles interviews with government officials, lawyers, insurers, etc. personal field trips to fault areas, construction sites, or existing structures Earthquake and Volcano Resources on the Web


The paper must be an original for this class, i.e., it cannot have been previously submitted in another course or submitted in another course this semester.

All sources (including interviews) should be fully referenced, either in footnotes, endnotes, or a reference list keyed to internal citations (Smith, 1994, p. 33). Consult a style manual for the appropriate format, procedures, etc. YOU MUST USE internal citations, footnotes, or endnotes for (1) direct quotes (shown in quotation marks) and (2) ideas, sentences, paragraphs from other sources, even if rewritten or paraphrased.

WARNING: Avoid plagiarism. Plagiarism will earn you a grade of F on this paper and jeopardize your chances of passing this course. SJSU has a strongly worded academic dishonesty policy that interprets plagiarism to include the use of five (5) consecutive words without proper citation. Present material in your own words, and cite a source if you didn't think of it or if isn't common knowledge.