Unit III of the course is called Explanations How Did We Get Here? We took a tour of various explanations of how we got into this crisis (i.e. Malthusianism, TechnoOptimism, Capitalism, Culture, and the State). In this essay, you need to decide which explanation you find most convincing and develop an argument as to why your explanation is more convincing than the others. This will require you make a coherent thesis or argument statement in the introductory paragraph laying out which explanation you choose and why (I advise you make that sentence very clear by stating In this paper, I will argue). In your introduction, you also should include a roadmap or outline of how you will substantiate your argument.
Heres a proposed outline:
I. Introduction paragraph Summary of paper topic Thesis or argument statement (In this paper, I will argue) Roadmap lay out in 1-3 sentences how the paper is organized step by step. II. Body Paragraphs Defend why your chosen explanation is the most convincing using concepts covered in lecture. Then use readings, quotes, and examples from lecture to back up and illustrate your assertions. (1-2 paragraphs). Argue why other explanations are less convincing using concepts from those lectures. Then use readings, quotes, and examples from lecture to back up and illustrate your assertions. You do not need to cover all remaining four explanations, but at least two (2 paragraphs). III. Conclusion Summarize your argument. Speculate on the wider implications of your argument. Why does it matter for the environment, our society, and the world?
