BIO 112
Introduction to Ecology
Instructor: J. McDill
Assignment: Analyzing an Argument in Public Discourse.
1. Browse the print or online versions of local newspapers to find an opinion
piece (i.e. an editorial, column, or letter-to-the-editor) in which the author
advocates a position or issue with potential impact on local ecosystems or
future sustainability. In Napa, Solano, and Yolo counties, such issues
currently include (as of June 2015):
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Water conservation policies and usage reduction mandates imposed due
to drought.
The possible designation of the Berryessa-Snow Mountain region as a
National Monument or Conservation Area
“Brownfields” development of a Costco store and hundreds of housing
units at “Napa Pipe, “ just south of NVC.
The Napa County Agricultural Protection Advisory Committee meetings,
and the ongoing debate concerning the impacts of tourism, the future of
agriculture, and Napa County’s agricultural preserve.
2. Write a short analysis of the author’s argument, evaluating it according to the
intellectual standards of reasoning and critical thinking described in
Environmental Issues (“Criitical Thinking” assignment available from class
website). Depending on the opinion piece you select, you may not be able to
evaluate all of the following criteria, but here are things to consider:
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What situation prompted the author to write this piece? Is it part of an
ongoing debate in the community? A response to a specific article or
event?
Is the article directed toward a specific audience? Whose opinions or
actions does the author seek to influence? What might they have in
common?
Can you identify the author’s point-of-view? What group or segment of
society does he or she represent? Is identity a major factor in this debate
(i.e. could someone’s position be influenced more by identity, whether
they place themselves in in the same “interest group” as the author,
rather than an independent assessment of the issue itself.
What does the author hope to achieve with the publication of this piece?
What assumptions, if any, does the author’s argument rely on?
Are any logical fallacies identifiable? Beware of arguments that attempt to
discredit people.
Finally, note that you are not being asked (here) to develop or express your own
opinion on the matter, nor are you expected to do any research on the issue beyond
the background material provided for this assignment.
BIO 112
Introduction to Ecology
Instructor: J. McDill