Lost Mountain
Paper details:
This will give you the opportunity to reflect on the political, economic, social and environmental dimensions of Lost Mountain by Erick Reece It is worth 30 points, based on both completeness and quality of analysis and reflection. Late papers lose two points if turned in up to one week late; more than this will require documentation of special circumstances. The best papers are those that incorporate sound, original, critical thinking with good support from the reading – cite the book by page number (135). Avoid “book reports” that merely summarize material on one hand, and “blue sky” essays that are pure unsupported opinion on the other. Try to answer the questions completely by drawing on all the appropriate readings and class sessions, and by bringing these together with your own analysis and insight. Strive for good, clear English in all your answers. Target 3-4 pages (1500 to 2000 words).
How has coal mining shaped this community, for good and bad? How do the local people respond to the idea and realities of mountaintop removal mining? How do mining companies defend the practice? What are some of the key social, political, and economic and environmental dimensions to the problem? Why is changing the mining system so difficult and painful? What are some of the changes in attitudes, perspectives and practices that Reece believes need to occur for this area to become sustainable environmentally, economically and socially? Do you agree; what are the elements of a sustainable community?
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