Review Mike Davis’ Ecology of Fear. Like the article reviews, this book review should focus
more on Davis’ form and approach than on summarizing content. You may choose to focus on
one or all three of the following areas:
1. How does Davis perform his piece of history? The “nuts and bolts” of constructing an
argument – like we have been discussing in class. Questions to consider:
 What is the central thesis?
 How do the subordinate points relate to the central thesis – or each other?
 Does Davis make any assumptions about human nature, or what drives human
events?
 What kinds of sources does Davis use? Do these seem like appropriate sources
given his approach? Could there have been other sources used?
2. How does Davis challenge or reinforce the classic California Stereotypes? These come
from our brainstorming session from the first day of class. Feel free to use themes or
stereotypes not on this list.
 Eden – Sunshine, Oranges and Suburbia
 A land of immigrants – no one is from CA
 A place to get rich quick – Gold Rush/Oil/Aerospace/Silicon Valley
 Politically Liberal/Progressive
 People are materialistic/shallow/fake
 Earthquakes
3. How does Davis’ work compare to other articles we have read this semester?
 You may use any of the articles we have used in class, either for article reviews
or required weekly reading.
 Feel free to use any of the reading under “Additional Sources” or research other
sources to compare.