Instruction
Assignment 2
Due: Sep 27, 2018 at 2:00 PM
In “The Animals: Practicing Complexity,” Michael Pollan writes that the distinction between a biological and industrial system of farming is that “In an ecological system like this everything’s connected to everything else, so you can’t change one thing without changing ten other things” (347). When farmers have to pay attention to the efficiencies of natural systems as opposed to the efficiencies of large-scale industrial farms, the former deal with complexity and interdependence while the latter deal with simplification.
Given this fact, farms like Salatin’s cannot produce the same volume of goods as large scale industrial farms. For this paper, you will need to argue first what is the real value of his kind of farming. Then consider whether you think it is worth the effort. If you find it is worth the effort, then what is your solution for helping extend this system to other farms? If you don’t think it is worth the effort, then what should be done to address the problems of industrial farms? The following planning questions will help you think about the primary purpose above:
How do we determine Polyface Farm’s relevance and importance to farming practices?
In what ways are the efficiencies of large-scale industrial farms different from those of Salatin’s (Use information on complex systems to consider this question)?
What are the consequences of both kinds of farming?
To write this paper, you will need to reread the chapter highlighting all of the places in the chapter that discuss the problems with industrial farms and the ways in which Pollyface farm differs. Also, make sure to take notes in the margins. Make sure in your opening to provide some context for your argument, including some reasons, a clear claim/thesis that lays out your argument, and a statement that helps readers predict how and why the paper will be ordered in the way it is. (Please do not simply state “there are three things. . . .” or respond to each question of the prompt as a paragraph. Also note that the three planning questions are meant to help you develop answers to the assignment questions. They are not meant to be sections of the paper). The paper should be in a specific order than is logical and meaningful. That is, you should not be able to move any paragraph to another place in the paper.
As your build your argument, make sure to use specific examples from the chapter to demonstrate why you say what you do and how it helps you build your claim. The conclusion should not be a simply summary of the overall argument. Rather, it should use some summary to help set up what overall conclusions a reader should draw from the argument and what concerns or solutions readers might consider.
Criteria for Evaluation:
Argument: Argument/thesis directly and fully answers the prompt; is clearly stated early in the paper; is original, compelling and logical, avoiding absolute claims
Evidence: Appropriate amount of relevant, accurate, and justifiably interpreted quotation. Quotations are thoroughly introduced, explained, analyzed, and connected to argument. Possible counter-arguments are considered.
Organization: Paragraphs maintain argumentative focus, exclude extraneous information, appear in a logical order, and transition smoothly. Introduction sets forth argument and goals of essay. Conclusion opens up avenues for future research.
Audience: Consistent, academic tone. Appropriate amount of contextual information, anticipating audience questions. Addresses significant issues and makes them important to audience.
Grammar and Format: Errors in grammar, spelling, and usage limited or non-existent. Correct MLA format, including proper quotation citation.