Group Projects

Fall 2009

Ethics (PHL 106-0H1) and Introduction to Global Studies (SSC 201-0H1)
Holly Graff and Richard Stacewicz


Group Project Guidelines:

 

Group Project Guidelines: The project is worth 100 points

Each step in the project is worth points toward your final grade so it is important to complete everything.

 

Step 1: Choose a topic of interest to you. Turn in a one-page (type-written) description of which topic you would like to work on and which one would be your second choice.  Explain why you are interested in this topic. The paper is due on Thursday, September 10th.   (This is worth 5 points)

 

Step 2: Get together with other group members and Richard to develop a research plan to get the relevant social science background and delegate responsibilities. This must be done by September 24th. (10 points)

 

Step 3: Work with Sherrill Weaver in the library to gather information and data about your topic and put together a comprehensive list of sources (at least per person) and turn this in by October 8th. (10 points)

 

Step 4: consult with Holly about ethical approaches and arguments and begin to prepare your positions and arguments. An outline of each member’s position should be prepared and turned in by October 15th. (10 points)

 

Step 5: Develop the final presentation and put together all relevant publicity and other materials you may need by October 29th.  The presentation should take place sometime in November before Thanksgiving. (10 points)

 

Step 6: Go through a run through of your presentation with Richard and Holly at least 1 week before it is given. (5 points)

 

Step 7: Your presentation. (50 points)

 

 

If, for some reason, a group runs into unforeseen challenges or unique opportunities that may require them to alter the above schedule in any way, we are willing to discuss this with the group(s) and to come up with a viable and workable alternative if necessary. Please let us know as soon as possible when you become aware of any issues so that you do not wait until the end of the semester to let us know.

 

 

Topics:

 The global economy and environmental degradation and/or preservation are deeply intertwined. The purpose of the group projects is to explore this relationship in greater depth by focusing your exploration on a specific issue and/or region of the globe and how this dynamic has/is playing out.  You will have to become well acquainted with the economic, political, cultural and environmental dimensions of the problem/issue. Equally importantly, you will also have to develop a program of action to address the problems and to support your proposal with a clear and well-supported ethical argument. It will be necessary for you to clearly articulate your ethical position and how it leads to your conclusion(S).  The projects will culminate with some kind of public presentation/projects or actions which will determined by the groups.  

 

  1. Food and agriculture: Since the “Green Revolution” of the mid-twentieth century, the major push to feed the planet’s growing population has been to promote industrial agricultural practices (use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and mass mono-cultural production of crops, meat, etc. ). These practices have come under a great deal of criticism by environmentalists who argue that they are highly destructive and cause a great deal of harm to the environment and human beings. Examine this debate.

      -examine current food production practices and how they impact the environment and human beings

      -you can choose to examine the production of meat, fish or vegetables

      - examine alternative models proposed

      -you can examine certain regions of the globe to explore these themes

 

  1. Natural Resources (oil, minerals):   Over the past century, “modern” society has come to rely heavily on fossil fuels and dozens of minerals (such as coltan) to fuel our “western” lifestyles.   Many environmentalists and environmental economists have been arguing that our reliance on fossil fuels and other finite raw materials is unsustainable and endangers the ecosystem while others argue that science and human innovation will provide solutions to current and future problems.

-examine how critical resources are  extracted and where they come from

-look at impact on the environment and communities where extraction and development takes place, etc.

 

  1. Human Resources and Labor:  The dominant economic model of development perceives human beings as another “resource” in the production process.   Proponents of neoliberal globalization contend that “outsourcing” and the movement of jobs and production around the world is to assist people who otherwise would not be able to make a living while opponents of these trends contend that practices like outsourcing actually harms people in other regions of the world and further exploits them.

-examine where many of the products we consume come from and how they are produced

-look at impacts on human beings and societies

 

  1. Water: Many scientists and social scientists contend that one of the major issues facing humanity in the 21st century is the provision and distribution of water.   It may be the major cause of conflict in the coming years. Some argue that the best way to harness and develop such resources is to “privatize” them while others contend that such resources should not be left to the control of the market place but should be controlled and distributed by governments on a not-for-profit basis.

-look at regions where water is becoming an issue and why

-explore different ideas and programs to provide water for peoples across the globe.

 

E. Suggestions???   If you have an area of interest that fits into the general themes of the seminar, please bring in those suggestions by Tuesday, September 1s for consideration.

 

Once step 1 is completed, you will have chance to meet up with other students in your group during class and to begin to divide up duties and to shape what it is you are planning to do and how you will display your new-found knowledge. You will need to share contact information since the vast majority of work will take place outside of class.

 

Author: Richard Stacewicz
Oakton Community College
Updated: August 17, 2009