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DAILY SCHEDULE AND READINGS
Introduction
Intensification
Science
American Injustice
Global Injustice
The Future

EXAMS
1st Exam, Due Jan 23
2nd Exam, Due Feb 13
3rd Exam, Due Mar 15

ANTHROPOLOGY 210

INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL ANTHROPOLOGY

SECOND TAKE-HOME EXAM
Due Monday, February 3, at 5:00 p.m.

For this exam, you are required to write essay answers to one question in each of the two categories below: intensification and sustainability; and intensification and food. You must answer one question in each category to pass the exam. Your answers must be between 400 and 600 words each. We will not read beyond the 600-word limit. Answers will be graded according to four criteria:
  • The degree to which they show understanding of the ideas and content presented in class readings, lectures, and section activities
  • The quality of the logical reasoning in your argument
  • How well you use the material from lectures and readings to support your argument
  • The quality of your English writing. If your native language is not English, please indicate that on each of your answers.
The exam is due in the Canvas assignment folder at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 13. Please use .doc, .pdf, or .rtf document format.

Late papers will be graded down according to the schedule on the grading page, but papers will not be accepted after midnight on January 25 without a written excuse acceptable to the instructor.

QUESTION 1: LOCAL AND COSMOPOLITAN SCIENCES
Answer one of the following questions. Do not exceed 600 words:

A. Local science and cosmopolitan (Gonzalez) modern (Williams), or Western science sometimes understand the same phenomenon in different ways. Cite one example from Zapotec Science and one example each from at least two of the following cases (three examples total) and in each case state whether and how local and cosmopolitan science are ultimately compatible:
B. Look again at Gonzalez's typology of different definitions of science on pages 21-23. Then examine at least three of the following cases, and show how the science at work in each case fits one or more of his definitions. In each case, use specific evidence to support your claim. Finally, reflect on what these cases say about the overlap between Gonzalez's types of science.

QUESTION 2: THE MEANS AND ENDS OF SCIENCE
Answer one of the following questions. Do not exceed 600 words:

A. Science can be used to
  1. maximize of efficiency and intensify production, often sacrificing quality and sustainability or
  2. promote quality, social labor, and sustainability, often sacrificing productivity
Show how Zapotec campesinos balance these goals in their cultivation of maize, cane, and coffee. In particular describe the ways in which campesinos have combined local and cosmopolitan science differently, and used them for different combinations of goals 1) and 2) in the cases of the three different crops.

B. Dee Williams (page 504, left column) sets out two dangers we face when practicing science:
  • We might assume that science is absolutely factual, follows the scientific method rigorously, and produces objectively true results
  • We might assume, on the contrary, that scientific consensus is just a matter of belief and politics, that evidence does not necessarily lead to particular conclusions.
Using our course materials, discuss one example that illustrates each of these two dangers. Then offer a third example of how people have successfully avoided these dangers, and what we can learn from them.