ENVS 1000 - WINTER TERM 2009
ASSIGNED RESEARCH ESSAY TOPICS
The long research essay in this course should be from 8-10 pages in length, double-spaced (2000
–2500 words), in a 12 point font, and one inch margins.
THE SECOND ESSAY IS DUE IN YOUR TUTORIAL THE WEEK OF MAY 6
This paper must be referenced appropriately, and be original work.
The paper MUST INCLUDE (but is not limited to):
1. A research question
2. At least FOUR different texts from the course book must be cited and referenced
properly.
3. At least ONE text covered in the Fall Semestre must be cited and referenced properly.
4. At least THREE citations from peer-reviewed texts not covered in the course must be
included.
The following is a short suggested list of topics; and other suggestions, from the students, are
welcome, in consultation with the Teaching Assistant and the Professor.
1. The Case of Biogenetic Engineering: What are the potential Environmental Implications?
2. What should be Canada’s contribution to this year’s round of climate talks (in Denmark
later this year)?
3. Pop culture (movies, music, song, theatre) variously critiques environmental issues or
exacerbates them. Choose two examples of pop culture and discuss how they resist or
exacerbate recognized environmental issues. (Reproducing song lyrics or poem texts
does not count towards your total word count for the paper.)
4. Compare standard neo-classical economic theory with the emerging theory of ecological
economics.
5. Explore and discuss the environmental writings and ideas of (one of): Thoreau,
Shakespeare, Aldo Leopold, Gary Snyder, John Livingston, Garrett Hardin, Anne
Dillard, Arne Naess, Thomas Berry, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism,
Native Spirituality.
6. Discuss the most recent theories of ecofeminism, and their implications for environment
and society.
7. Go more deeply into the environmental mythology/cosmology of any of the periods
discussed in class in more detail, using contemporary (i.e. period) references.
8. The G8 (Group of the world’s eight wealthiest nations) will be meeting in Ontario in
2010. Discuss the G8 as a force for environmental improvement in the world. And how
Canada should act towards this. Discuss.
9. Consider the relationship between an environmental issue in a developing country and its
links to Canadian well-being (e.g. Tropical forest depletion; carbon dioxide emissions).
10. Explore the landscape/land use of a particular area well known to you in detail, and link it
to environmental ideas and issues of concern
11. The boundaries between the human, the technological, and the natural are in flux.
Explore this theme in relation to: genetic information, animal/human interaction,
replaceable body parts, or other aspect of this situation.
12. Pick an example of a future technology and research its potential environmental
consequences.
13. Research two to four folktales from any culture in the world and discuss what these
stories have to say about environmental issues (ancient and/or contemporary).
(Reproducing the folktales does not count towards your total word count for the paper.)
OR:
The art project:
You have the option of producing a work of art instead of the essay. This work of art can
be visual, sculptural, written (e.g. poetry), or performed (e.g. songwriting, monologue,
etc.). If performed then you are expected to perform your work in front of the entire class.
Each work of art MUST be accompanied by a written narrative (at least 250 words – 1
page double-spaced) describing the experience and citing the ideas in the course that
inspired the work.
N.B. The standard by which these works of art will be judged is higher than that used to
evaluate the essays.
Your TAs may have different means for supporting this exercise. You wish to address an area
outside of those listed above, please confirm this with your TA before proceeding. For further
discussion ask your TA.
You are to cite references using a recognized style such as APA, MLA, etc. Confirm what you
will be using with your TA.