Env Stds 375: Ecosocial advocacy

 YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF ACTIVISM

For class discussion and your statement of activist philosophy

 

During class time, we will consider various approaches to ecosocial activism. There are two main goals of this exercise. The first is to understand and evaluate the approaches of other individuals and groups. The second is to assist you in articulating your own approach to activism.

 

The paper you will write will be an articulation of your personal view.

>> It is NOT a research paper or an analysis of the approaches of others. However, reference to other approaches (pointing to similarities or differences) is one way to deepen analysis and to more fully communicate your view.

 

You should apply critical thinking to your own view.

>> The reader should be able to discern why you hold the views you do. You also should consider problems and limitations in your own view.

 

The paper should be 5-6 pages (typed, double-spaced, one-inch margins, Times New Roman font), not including the bibliography. You don’t need to have a separate title page. I encourage you to print on both sides. Proper spelling, grammar, and citation are expected.

 

The paper will be evaluated in terms of

  • Proper focus.
  • Deep probing of your own view and insightful critical thinking, emphasizing complexities and problems.
  • The persuasiveness of your approach.
  • The quality of your writing.
COMPONENTS AND QUESTIONS

In our discussions and your writing, keep in mind the following components and questions. The list is not exhaustive; other components and questions are also important. On the other hand, you do not need to talk or write about each one. In thinking about these questions, confer “Evaluating Ecosocial Activism,” “Questions in Analyzing Ecosocial Activism,” and “Types of Activism.”

 

What degree of interest and what relative value do the various types of activism have for you? Why?
>> See “Types of Ecosocial Activism.”

What are the most important types of goals? Which ones are not important to you? Why? What is the ultimate goal of your activism?
>> See “Evaluating Ecosocial Activism.”

What are the relative value of ethics and effectiveness in deriving and justifying your approach?
>> See “Evaluating Ecosocial Activism.”

What type(s) ofethics inform you philosophy of activism, and which one(s) carry the most weight?
>> See “Evaluating Ecosocial Activism.”

What types of benefits inform your view, and with what relative weight?
>> See “Evaluating Ecosocial Activism.”

In your view, what relative value do the different types of activism have? Is the relative value of these types contextual (depend on circumstances) or universal?
>> See “Types of Ecosocial Activism.”

What is your philosophy concerning various approaches to activism?
>> See “Questions in the Analysis of Ecosocial Activism.”

What are the bases of your activism?
>> See “Questions in the Analysis of Ecosocial Activism.”

 

 

 

 

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Last updated: March 14, 2007