Write a paper that proves the influence a worldview has on another text

1. Write a paper that proves the influence a worldview has on another text. In this case, you would reference Radical Ecology or Earth’s Insights worldviews and make connections to other texts you’ve read for the class.

Write a paper that proves the influence a worldview has on another text

The Monkey Wrench Gang
Formal Essay
Overview: Recall that in the course thus far we have explored the underpinnings of not only the modern environmentalism movement (including the radical spectrum), but also more traditional worldviews that find their way into mainstream conversations on the environment. To deepen your own understanding of the impact you have on the environment, you have been asked to catalogue your usage, explore your own beliefs, and think about the human cost related to the actions and decisions of others.

Finally, you have been reading The Monkey Wrench Gang which stands as both a respected piece of American literature, but also a catalyst to a modern interpretation of environmentalism. This assignment will have you putting the pieces together in a way that makes the most sense to you. Please reflect on the assignments you have done, and the reading and analysis you have completed as you choose one prompt below to respond to.

Prompts (choose one):

1. Write a paper that proves the influence a worldview has on another text. In this case, you would reference Radical Ecology or Earth’s Insights worldviews and make connections to other texts you’ve read for the class. Consider the “Earth First I.1” reading and The Monkey Wrench Gang. It behooves you to be specific and concise as you explain your connections, particularly if you reference the book.

2. Write a paper that explores either the merits or demerits of characters in the Monkey Wrench Gang, by considering both their actions and their words. You can choose several of the characters from the book, or focus on one. Consider the following questions as you write: is their cause just? Do the ends justify the means? How do the characters depicted in the novel symbolize or inspire the environmental movement? What, if any, redeeming qualities do the Gang have? (These questions are just to guide your thinking, so can be answered more overtly or ambiguously.)

3. Write a detailed letter, or series of letters, to one or several government officials and/or interested parties that make the case for an environmental purpose. (Note: this can be to advocate for regulation or deregulation; activism or legislation; preservation or utility, etc. You do not need to adopt a view that you think I’d agree with.) In your letter(s), explain the issue clearly (a dam removal project, for example), and what action you want to see taken. You do not need to actually send the letters! A most authentic letter would be one which adopts the conventions of a letter (how it looks/ reads), and which addresses real people who have a stake in the issue you’ve identified. Outside research strongly recommended if you choose this prompt.

Grading Criteria:

Length: minimum three pages, double-spaced. No more than four pages, please!

Formatting: unless you’re writing letters, MLA formatted (to the best of your ability) →

Google “MLA formatting” if you’re unsure! Did I mention double-spaced? Ok, good.

Features: A clear thesis (including letter prompt); logical organization; text evidence; standard conventions and grammar (some exception permitted if you choose the letter prompt).

Final Thought: I understand that some writing techniques will be rusty. My promise is not to overly penalize you for things that would otherwise be addressed in person or through workshop. However, rudimentary things like capitalization and end-of-sentence punctuation are a must. Above all, I want to be able to see effort and completion of thought. If you capture the spirit of the prompt, and follow the criteria, your grade will likely reflect it.
Points: 50