insights from the past case study or essay
Learning Objective: Learning requires challenge, reflection, and making connections. The purpose of this learning activity is to deepen your learning as a result of this block. I ask you to re-think the key concepts we studied, the evolution of your thinking throughout the block, and demonstrate this learning though your writing.
Throughout the block we have been investigating the past while toggling to the present and future with our concerns for sustainability and anthropogenic warming. We have asked from the beginning of the block: "Can the past inform the present and future?" Based on our fieldwork, our investigation of the San Luis Valley, and what you have learned this block, please write a short essay or case study disclosing your current answer to the question: "Can the past inform the present and future?"
I do not expect a fully evidence-based argument although I would like you to use this essay as an opportunity to bring what you have learned in the course to supporting and explaining your answer. The most persuasive way to answer the question is to focus on HOW the past can inform the present/future. Alternatively, if you are not persuaded the past can inform the present/future, I recommend you provide examples of HOW the past cannot be deployed in service of the present and future.
You must appropriately employ, as an integrating theme in the essay, at least one of the concepts we have learned about during the block: sustainability, collapse, resilience, vulnerability, and/or climate change/natural hazards. Rely on the block's readings as key references in your essay.
Please limit your response to no more than three double-spaced pages. Upload to Canvas by the due date. When you use the ideas of others, you must cite those ideas using an accepted format. You do not need to cite me or ideas I have presented in class.
This assignment is to be completed individually, not in a group. However, please feel free to meet in groups to generate ideas and to offer peer-review of draft essays.
RUBRIC
Exceeds Expectations: The essay/case study is exceptional in its response to the assignment in a variety of ways. The thesis/claim* is interesting, clearly articulated, argued**, and well-developed throughout the paper. The paragraphs are organized in a way that enhances the aims of the paper. Within individual paragraphs, ideas are represented logically, explained thoroughly, and reflect insight. Transitions between paragraphs and ideas within paragraphs are clear and often elegant, and the writing is fluent and easy to read. The paper shows an effective use of language, often employing terms specific to the class/discipline to enhance meaning. While an "exceeds expectations" paper might not be entirely free from grammatical and mechanical errors, such errors are minimal and do not detract from the argument. All ideas from others are properly cited in the text and a References Cited list is provided at the end of the document.
Meets Expectations: The essay/case study represents a solid response to the assignment. The thesis/claim is stated, developed, and argued throughout the paper. The paragraphs are organized in a way that enhances the aims of the paper. Within individual paragraphs, ideas are represented logically, explained thoroughly, and reflect insight. Transitions between paragraphs and ideas within paragraphs are clear and often elegant, and the writing is fluent and easy to read. The paper shows an effective use of language, often employing terms specific to the class/discipline to enhance meaning. Grammatical and mechanical errors are minimal. All ideas from others are properly cited in the text and a References Cited list is provided at the end of the document.
Does Not Meet Expectations: The essay/case study does not demonstrate an adequate response to the assignment. The thesis/claim is stated but unevenly supported in the paper. The paragraphs are not well organized. Within individual paragraphs, ideas are not represented logically, explained thoroughly, nor do they reflect insight. Transitions between paragraphs and ideas within paragraphs are uneven and the writing is not fluent or easy to read. The paper does not show an effective use of language or terms specific to the class/discipline. Grammatical and mechanical errors throughout. All ideas from others are NOT properly cited in the text and/or a References Cited list is not provided at the end of the document.
* claim = something that is asserted to be correct
** an argument is a presentation of reasoning supported by evidence and constructed to support for a claim
Throughout the block we have been investigating the past while toggling to the present and future with our concerns for sustainability and anthropogenic warming. We have asked from the beginning of the block: "Can the past inform the present and future?" Based on our fieldwork, our investigation of the San Luis Valley, and what you have learned this block, please write a short essay or case study disclosing your current answer to the question: "Can the past inform the present and future?"
I do not expect a fully evidence-based argument although I would like you to use this essay as an opportunity to bring what you have learned in the course to supporting and explaining your answer. The most persuasive way to answer the question is to focus on HOW the past can inform the present/future. Alternatively, if you are not persuaded the past can inform the present/future, I recommend you provide examples of HOW the past cannot be deployed in service of the present and future.
You must appropriately employ, as an integrating theme in the essay, at least one of the concepts we have learned about during the block: sustainability, collapse, resilience, vulnerability, and/or climate change/natural hazards. Rely on the block's readings as key references in your essay.
Please limit your response to no more than three double-spaced pages. Upload to Canvas by the due date. When you use the ideas of others, you must cite those ideas using an accepted format. You do not need to cite me or ideas I have presented in class.
This assignment is to be completed individually, not in a group. However, please feel free to meet in groups to generate ideas and to offer peer-review of draft essays.
RUBRIC
Exceeds Expectations: The essay/case study is exceptional in its response to the assignment in a variety of ways. The thesis/claim* is interesting, clearly articulated, argued**, and well-developed throughout the paper. The paragraphs are organized in a way that enhances the aims of the paper. Within individual paragraphs, ideas are represented logically, explained thoroughly, and reflect insight. Transitions between paragraphs and ideas within paragraphs are clear and often elegant, and the writing is fluent and easy to read. The paper shows an effective use of language, often employing terms specific to the class/discipline to enhance meaning. While an "exceeds expectations" paper might not be entirely free from grammatical and mechanical errors, such errors are minimal and do not detract from the argument. All ideas from others are properly cited in the text and a References Cited list is provided at the end of the document.
Meets Expectations: The essay/case study represents a solid response to the assignment. The thesis/claim is stated, developed, and argued throughout the paper. The paragraphs are organized in a way that enhances the aims of the paper. Within individual paragraphs, ideas are represented logically, explained thoroughly, and reflect insight. Transitions between paragraphs and ideas within paragraphs are clear and often elegant, and the writing is fluent and easy to read. The paper shows an effective use of language, often employing terms specific to the class/discipline to enhance meaning. Grammatical and mechanical errors are minimal. All ideas from others are properly cited in the text and a References Cited list is provided at the end of the document.
Does Not Meet Expectations: The essay/case study does not demonstrate an adequate response to the assignment. The thesis/claim is stated but unevenly supported in the paper. The paragraphs are not well organized. Within individual paragraphs, ideas are not represented logically, explained thoroughly, nor do they reflect insight. Transitions between paragraphs and ideas within paragraphs are uneven and the writing is not fluent or easy to read. The paper does not show an effective use of language or terms specific to the class/discipline. Grammatical and mechanical errors throughout. All ideas from others are NOT properly cited in the text and/or a References Cited list is not provided at the end of the document.
* claim = something that is asserted to be correct
** an argument is a presentation of reasoning supported by evidence and constructed to support for a claim
