Monsanto Debate
Introduction:
Monsanto is a company which was founded in 1901. Throughout its history, it has seen much evolution, and now finds itself at the forefront of the production of genetically modified food products. The debate that you will participate in is a very relevant and controversial one. As you have learned throughout the case study, the safety associated with consuming genetically modified organisms is questionable. This naturally brings about heated controversy. After all, we all need to eat! Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsanto The Task: You will be placed on a team (either for or against) and will argue according to the position you were assigned. You will not be given a choice in which side you are arguing, and names will be chosen at random. You will not be given an option because you are expected to be able to argue for both sides of the debate. Being placed on a team whose position you don’t agree with is challenging, but will really help you to explore a new side of a controversial topic. Your task is to research an argument for the side of the debate on which you are placed, and argue it during the debate. Question: Should Monsanto (and companies like it) be permitted to produce the products that they are? What should we do to help or hinder Monsanto? Specifics: Part 1: Each student will be responsible for coming up with one strong argument either for or against Monsanto’s production of genetically modified foods. Please remember to reference any research that you do. Arguments will include the following:
See the example on the right for a good indication of what your argument should look like. Part 2: Each student is responsible for submitting a 4 page report on the debate. The report must include the following:
o Helpful Tip: Be sure to jot down some notes during the debate. This will make it easier to summarize afterwards.
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Example Argument:
Argument: Throughout Monsanto’s history, it has manufactured many products which have proven to be harmful to our environment and ourselves (Against). Explanation and Relevancy: Monsanto has a history of manufacturing products which have proven to be harmful to both humans and the environment. If they have a history of doing so, then we shouldn’t trust them to produce our food. Specific Examples:
o During this time, they were producing 82,000 tonnes per year - Source: http://www.inchem.org/documents/ehc/ehc/ehc009.htm o The chemical was banned in 1972 because it was recognized as a danger to the wildlife of an ecosystem. o The ban came in response to Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring. This book spoke about the environmental damage that DDT causes, and about much awareness.
o Statistics Associated: - 400,000 people were killed or maimed by Agent Orange - 500,000 children were born with birth defects because of Agent Source: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/othercarcinogens/intheworkplace/agent-orange-and-cancer Tips:
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Submission:
Please submit both parts of the assignment under the appropriate submission tabs. The argument portion of this assignment (part 1) is due two days before the debate (November 20th). The report is due on the Tuesday after the debate has occurred (November 26th).
Please submit both parts of the assignment under the appropriate submission tabs. The argument portion of this assignment (part 1) is due two days before the debate (November 20th). The report is due on the Tuesday after the debate has occurred (November 26th).