In your final paper, you will write a 6-8-page research paper that focuses on one specific food or environmental issue that we have discussed this semester. You must select a topic from one of the following, and you will include the five sources that you annotated in the previous assignment. If you want to write about something that is not on this list, then you need to email me at least two weeks before the final paper deadline so that I can approve your topic. Your options are:
Topic 1: During Mary Shermans insightful presentation, she examined many critical food and environment issues, such as funding for urban farms, food scarcity, the connection between race/poverty, and health concerns. Choose one specific issue from Marys presentation. Why is this a prevalent issue in the United States? What are some solutions to this issue that you agree with? What are some solutions to this issue that you disagree with? Your research paper should make a specific argument for how to thoroughly address this specific issue.
Topic 2: Throughout the year, you completed weekly response questions about The Bluest Eye, where you analyzed Morrisons use of food and environmental metaphors. Claudia uses food metaphors to understand the world around her. Analyze the connection between Claudia as a character and her understanding of food. What are specific examples of Claudias usage of food metaphor? How do these metaphors provide a stronger understanding of her neighborhood, her neighbors, her friends, etc.? Your research paper should make a specific argument about the way food and environmental concerns are discussed in The Bluest Eye.
Topic 3: A Place at the Table is a fascinating documentary that provides insight into the pervasive food and environment issues facing American citizens throughout the country. What is the connection between A Place at the Table and The Bluest Eye and/or The Red Letter Plays? How can A Place at the Table help us understand The Bluest Eye and/or The Red Letter Plays better? Your research paper should draw valid connections between the documentary and the texts we read this semester and make a strong argument that places them in conversation with each other.
Topic 4: Although A Place at the Table is a fascinating documentary, there are some unanswered questions that are not adequately addressed. What are the strongest aspects of this documentary, and what are some elements of it that need improved? What are specific ways that this documentary could have been constructed better? Your research paper will focus on data, statistics, or examples that the documentary omits or doesnt thoroughly discuss.