Assignment Question
Assignment Overview: Write two well-crafted essays demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of course materials, with the ability to critically analyze and reflect on these sources.
Essay Requirements:
Section 1: Question 1 – Environmental Impact Topic: Your essay can argue in favor of this statement or in opposition to it. While humans have had an immense environmental impact on the planet, non-human actors (including introduced animals, plants, and diseases) have fundamentally shaped the course of human history. Support your argument with reference to a range of non-human actors and things (at least 3), and draw on 3 course readings and 3 lectures as you develop your argument. Make sure to connect these examples together. Did the non-human actors and things effect change in similar ways? Sources for Essay 1: Readings: docs_10001F4D (1).pdf, docs_10001EF2.pdf, Hmlinen-PoliticsGrassEuropean-2010.pdf Lectures: Sept 19 (pigs), Sept 25 (whales), Sept 7 (Biological Invasions, Pristine Myth).
Section 2: Question 2 – Resiliency and Adaptation Topic: This question allows you to reflect on resiliency and adaptation. How have different communities responded to environmental challenges including disasters. Were these responses effective (in the short term/long term)? Did they benefit collective society, individuals, elites? Were they planned/strategic or sporadic? Describe and compare at least three types of responses to environmental stresses (ranging from disasters to less dramatic but periodic challenges posed by unique environments). You might want to consider “who” initiated the strategies? What resources and types of knowledge did these responses require and what alternative strategies were not taken? Reference 3 course readings and 3 lectures.
Sources for Essay 2: Readings: docs_10001EEB.pdf, docs_10001EED.pdf, Schwartz-MelancholyOccasions-2015 Lectures: Sept 13 (Disaster), Nov. 2 (Environmental History Amazon), Oct. 17 (Cities). Content and Structure Length: Each essay should be 2.5 to 4 pages, double-spaced, in 12-point font. Components: Include an introduction, conclusion, and body paragraphs. Analysis: Provide clear examples supporting the argument. Ensure examples cover a broad range of topics and make meaningful comparisons. Source and Citation Guidelines Use of Sources: Do not use sources not attached or included in video lectures. Do not use sources provided for section 1 in section 2 or vice versa. Citation Requirement: Formal citations are not required. Include a parenthetical reference to the page number (e.g., (7)) at the end of the sentence.
