Issue Memo Assignment #8
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Reading:
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| You should read the following article on
reserve in the library and come to class prepared to discuss it. The
reading will also help you prepare the written assignment described
below. Other class readings, videos, handouts, and web sites may
also be of use in preparing your written assignment. |
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 | Issue Memo Assignment #8: "Issue 9: Is Genetic
Engineering an Environmentally Sound Way to Increase Food Production?" (On reserve) |
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Directions:
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| Imagine
you are the mayor of a moderately sized farming community in North
Carolina where independently owned and operated soybean farms make up
about 50% of your local economic base.
At the request of national and
local environmental groups, the North Carolina general assembly is
debating a bill that would prohibit growing any genetically modified
soybean plants until it can be conclusively proven that there are no
adverse health or environmental effects. You know that there is no
research right now suggesting there are any human or environmental
affects, but it may be a decade or more before research can conclusively
demonstrate that there are no harms. Moreover, the genetically
modified soybean plant in question has the potential to double farm
yields while at the same time requiring less water and pesticide.
The town council is under a lot of pressure from local environmental
groups, farmers, and citizens to state its position on this
issue. |
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Format of the Written Assignment
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| This assignment should take the form of business
letter to the Chairman of the Senate Agricultural Committee in the NC
General Assembly. It is limited to 2 single-spaced, 12 point font pages, with 1 inch margins and must
be in a standard business letter format (most word processing software has
templates). The reason that a business letter format is required is that it is the
standard means of communication in the world of business and government. Thus,
this assignment will help develop your ability to analyze policy questions and to
think, act, and communicate more effectively about environmental issues and problems. |
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Grading
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| Your memo should answer the question posed and be argumentative in nature.
There is no one "right" answer. Instead, you will be graded on the
strength and organization of your arguments as well as the quality of your writing.
You may introduce any facts and evidence you wish to support your arguments. If
you are unfamiliar with how to write a memo please arrange to see me or my
graduate assistant during office hours for assistance. |
