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Memo Assignment #1: ANWR

Reading: 

You should read the following readings 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.  
  
bulletMemo Assignment #1Should the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Be Opened to Oil Drilling?
  

Directions:

Write a memo that answers the question posed in the title of the readings.  Be sure that your memo is argumentative in nature and supports your conclusions with examples from the readings or the videos we have seen in class.  When writing your response, be sure to avoid inaccurate stereotypes.  Be sure to read the articles on improving your writing and memos distributed early in the semester as they will help you prepare the assignment. 
  

Web & Other Resources

The following websites and other readings may help you in preparing this assignment.
 
bullet Bush's National Energy Policy
bullet Handouts on various points of view on the ANWR debate
bullet Official Arctic National Wildlife Refuge site
bulletBush's National Energy Policy - Reliable, Affordable, and Environmentally Sound Energy for America's Future
bulletGAO Report (GAO-02_64R) on oil and gas activities in national wildlife refuges
bulletThe Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: A Special Report
bullet105th Congress Report
bulletANWR.org
bulletAlliance for America
bulletNorthern Alaska Environmental Center
bulletLinks to various perspectives on opening up ANWR
bulletSierra Club's position
bulletNRDC's position
bulletGreenpeace/Arctic Action
bulletAlaska Federation of Natives
bullet Alaska Conservation Foundation
bulletUSGS Fact Sheet
bulletCanadian position on development in ANWR
 
Format of the Written Assignment
This assignment should take the form of a memo.  It is limited to 2 single-spaced, 12 point font pages, with 1 inch margins and must be in a standard memo format.  The reason that a memo format is required is that it is the standard means of communication in the world of business and government.  Thus, these memo assignments will help you to develop your ability to analyze policy questions and to think, act, and communicate more effectively about environmental issues and problems.
  

Grading

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. 

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