This is a seminar centered on readings, discussion, and original student research on political ecology -- especially (but not exclusively) on the cultural, ecological, and political aspects of food and agriculture. The course is open to undergrads who have taken Culture & Environment or who have permission, and to graduate students.
BOOKS
Review & response papers (due 2/4, 2/11, 3/3, 3/17). An R&R is a 600 word paper comprising an review of the work and response to it. The review usually summarizes and assesses the main components of the work (what has the author accomplished?), and puts it into a larger context. The response normally includes critique and discussion points.
Initial research paper (due 3/24). This is a completed 4500-6000 word paper on the topic discussed with and approved by me; that's approx 18-24 pages double-spaced pages of text. It must have a full reference list and must use embedded bibliographic citations (see the citations guide). You must meet with me before the end of Feb. (that's the latest; earlier is better!) to work out a topic. I will provide a discussion with requested revisions by 4/7.
Presentation (4/7, 14, 21). This is a 20-minute presentation followed by 15 minutes of discussion. It is based on your research paper but it is NOT simply a shortened version; a 20-minute verbal/visual performance is very different from a 20-page printed paper.
Final paper (due 4/25). This is the revised paper, which will have taken into account my commentary and sometimes issues raised in class. Since it is held to a higher standard, it may actually get a lower grade than the initial draft if the revisions have not been made.
Take-home final (due 5/1). This will be 1 or 2 synthetic essays drawing on key discussions and readings throughout the course. The questions will be made available online on 4/26.
GRADING
| R&R's (4 x 3%) | 12% |
| Initial paper | 35% |
| Final paper | 20% |
| Presentation | 13% |
| Take-home | 10% |
| Class contrib. | 10% |
4282 Spring 2008 syllabus
1/14/2008 overview & intro's 1/21/2008 MLK day 1/28/2008 Malthus & intensification Malthus 1798, Population
Boserup 1965, Conditions of Agricultural Growth
Stone 2001, Beyond the Square Chicken2/4/2008 Netting Netting R&R 2/11/2008 Robbins Robbins R&R 2/18/2008 Robbins 2/25/2008 Case studies 3/3/2008 Ross Ross R&R 3/10/2008 break 3/17/2008 Mintz Mintz R&R 3/24/2008 no class - paper conferences papers due 3/31/2008 Biotechnology Biotech R&R
Kloppenburg 1988, Chap 1 (eres)
Kloppenburg 2004, Still the Seed (pdf)4/7/2008 presentations 4/14/2008 presentations 4/19-20/2008 (if needed to complete presentations)