• Fair Trade : discuss how it relates to some of the relevant core issues covered in class: particularly Food Security, the Environment, Equity, and Livelihoods.

Final Essay
Students will select one of the topics provided by the professor. Students can only choose a topic
not listed with permission from the instructor. Students are to examine the issue and identify
key strengths and weaknesses or debates related to it, and provide a clear argument on the topic
or related to the debate. This follows the structure of Clapp, where she identifies what supporters
and critics say about the topic, or different perspectives on it.
The essay should identify the topic and a brief overview of the key issues related to the topic and
make a related argument based on your analysis of two or more perspectives on the issue. Your
argument does not have to be absolute!!! Your argument can be nuanced. For example “Under
certain conditions, a green revolution would contribute to achieving greater food security in
Africa” OR “even though it may bring an increase in yields, the negative impacts of a green
revolution suggest it is not best for African agriculture”. These are instead of “A green revolution
is [necessary] or [anathema] to addressing agriculture and food security in Africa”. Nuance allows you to make an argument for or against something that considers the related
opportunities/challenges (strengths or weaknesses) of the issue. You would then list the reasons
why you think the issue is positive or negative, and the conditions under which it would be
helpful, or the reasons you conclude the challenges outweigh the benefits, which effectively
recounts the debate and shows your analysis of it.
Essays are required to make a clear argument. The research essay can build on the earlier
reflection materials if relevant. This is an academic research paper requiring a clear argument
that is supported, drawing on a minimum of 6 sources additional to class readings, 4 of which
must be academic, and 4 of which must be additional to the suggested resources listed by Clapp
under the topic. All sources must be cited, including those from class. Students should cite using
APA guidelines.