Discussing environmental issues often generates a spectrum of responses, including
anger, apathy, frustration, and hopelessness. While these all of these feelings are valid, they
aren’t very productive in areas that require strategies for problem solving and critical
thinking. So this assignment invites you to explore additional responses we don’t always
associate with environmental research writing: hope, inspiration, innovation, and possibilities
for change.
In this three-part project, you’ll be encouraged to explore a current environmental issue,
and find a way to navigate the sense of overwhelm and pessimism that often arise from such
an exploration by focusing on examples of progress and positive change. You’ll also be asked
critically evaluate the credibility of your sources, and respond to at least one source that is in
opposition to your perspective.
To complete this project successfully, you’ll have to exercise critical thinking skills and
act as an advocate for the protection of a specific part of the environment, including land,
water, air, wild animals (not domestic farm animals), or any natural habitat. I’ll ask you to
utilize the model of the Aristotle’s Classical Argument (see below), and explore opposing
arguments, expose logical fallacies (and sometimes, fake news), and together we’ll address
the concept of bias