Term Essay

You are writing an Essay on each topic , each topic has its own instructions under it but all topic will follow APA formatting and citations. 

Topic 1
Bt corn is one of the largest modern grain crops in North America. Explain how corn plants are transformed with the Bacillus thuringiensis gene. What are the potential impacts of Bt corn on individual agricultural ecosystems and on the broader global ecosystem?

Instructions
Write an essay on this topic of 750 words. Present the concepts in your own words, and include current information.

Topic 2
Merlin’s (2003) hypothesis is that “humans have a very ancient tradition involving the use of mind-altering experiences to produce profound, more or less spiritual and cultural understanding” (p. 295).

In an essay of 1000 words use one plant presented in this article to argue for or against this hypothesis. To defend your argument, make sure you correctly identify what the archaeological data indicates about past uses of the plant. You may want to do research using the scholarly Library to find evidence that contradicts that which is presented in your paper. You also will need to provide the following background information:
	•	The common and scientific names, as well as the family, to which the plant belongs
	•	Its geographic origins, current distribution, and current uses 
	•	The chemical nature of the psychoactive principle, and its physiological effects 
Be sure that you present the concepts in your own words, and that you include current information.

Topic 3

Write an essay of 750 words on the following topic; present the concepts in your own words, and include current information:
The production of food, spices, dyes, and fragrances for our growing population impacts our environment, economy, and culture, and this impact is felt locally, nationally, and globally. Choose one food product and determine whether its production is harmful or beneficial to society. To argue your point, trace its historical usage; determine its present and historical importance to society; and outline the impact of its production on the environment and local culture. Consider whether its production is sustainable, and if it can be or is being produced differently in other parts of the world.

Grading Criteria for Essays
Review the following grading criteria for your essays.
Substance
Criteria | Weighting
The introduction offers a sense of direction for the paper and presents a clear thesis statement to the reader. | /5
The research paper provides evidence of critical thinking and analysis as well as synthesis of researched information throughout, and presents a logical and persuasive argument. | /10
The body develops the necessary aspects of the main idea and provides examples, support, or illustration for each aspect of the main idea. | /10
The conclusion summarizes the main points and ties them to the thesis; it also presents an impact statement and/or suggests direction for future research. | /5
Total | /30
Writing Style and Format
Criteria | Weighting
Paragraphs are unified, developed, and coherent, with transitions between ideas. | /2
Sentences are grammatically correct; words are chosen for accuracy and impact. | /2
The writing follows the conventions of spelling and mechanics (punctuation, etc.). | /1
The format follows the CSE or APA documentation style accurately and consistently. | /2
Research sources are relevant, current, and credible. At least three sources have been used and are clearly documented in the paper. | /3
Total | /10