Agriculture
Ancient Grains (pick one or two)
-Quinoa, Amaranth, Spelt, Kamut€¦
-Where, how grown or gathered, prepared, stored
-nutritional properties
-overall benefits and limitations

Or

Origin and early use of _____________ (for example wheat, barley, corn, potato, rice..)

Or

Origin and early use of _______________(for example pigs, cattle, sheep..)

Second Paper Topics (pick one)
*note, this paper should be written in an objective voice (except conclusion). Present both sides of the topic, objectively, citing expert sources to validate pro/con statements. Address this paper to the Non-Western perspective!

Organic Farming
-how would organic farmer work if it were to be used globally by most farmers?
-is organic food healthier or safer to eat
-is organic food better for the environment
-could the world be fed with organically grown food, sufficient yields?
-impact on developing world

Feeding the 9.5+ billion on 2050
-how much more food
-potential solutions
-barriers
-impact on the developing world

Genetically Engineered Food
-the role of GE foods
-how widespread are GE foods
-are genetically engineered foods safe, human/ environmental health
-what are the impacts of GE crops on sustainability
-can GE foods help solve world hunger

Malthus
-who was Thomas Malthus, and why did he see hunger as inevitable
-can we feed a growing population w/o doing irreversible harm to the environment
-is Africa facing an eco-Malthusian crisis
-why do Malthusians seed to reduce population growth

Or

Food Aid
-what is food aid
-which countries get food aid
-do rich countries give food aid to dispose of their surplus production
-is food aid sustainable
-does food aid created dependence or hurt farms in recipient countries
-do governments seek coercive power from food aid and food trade

Or
The Carbon Footprint Associated with Agriculture
-what is the carbon footprint of agriculture compared with other industries
-what aspects of agriculture contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, livestock, crops, transportation, fertilizers€¦.
-does locally produced food have a smaller carbon footprint
-which foods tend to have smaller/larger carbon footprints
-what could food retailers do to provide consumers point of purchase information regarding the carbon footprint of each (or many) products

Or

Agricultural Subsidies
-what are subsidies
-Do all governments give subsidies to farmers?
-what explains the tendency of rich countries to subsidize farmers
-what are the impacts of subsidies on small farmers in Africa
-how do most governments in developing regions treat farmers with regard to subsidies and taxation
-how do subsidies interface with globalization
-impact of subsides on sustainable agriculture

Each report should contain following headings centered on the page and in bold type:

Title: Agricultural Subsidies (bold & centered)

Summary- One paragraph, maybe two. Give the reader an objective overview of the topic area. Tell the reader why this topic is relevant today and its’ implications for the future.

Key Points- This is the body of your report. Give details and object facts, pro & con (where applicable). Use all or most of the talking points listed below each topic. This section should present a reasonably balanced view of the topic. Most of your research references will be used in this section. This will be the largest part of your paper. Use & site references! References cited should represent objective, diverse viewpoints. This section should be as objective as possible.

Conclusion- State your view point on the topic and the main reasons you have taken this position. This section should be written in summary format. This is the only section of your paper that should be purely subjective. Your opinion on the topic is required. This is especially evident in Paper #2.

Sources- List your sources using MLA style or other citation methods. Site at least three sources. See the class portal for citation method. MLA or APA is suitable.

Grading Score Sheet: (45 points)

10 points: Sources & Assignment format
Including spelling, grammar, MLA,APA format or other citation methods, at least three sources, assignment format and clarity.
5 points: Summary
One or two paragraphs. Objective overview of the topic area.
20 points: Key Points
Body of your report. Give details and facts to substantiate the diverse viewpoints. Again this section needs to be balanced, objective.
10 points: Conclusion
What is your viewpoint (opinion) on the topic?
Why have you taken this point of view?