Software: Microsoft Office                              Cal Poly Sustainability

Paper 5, 6, 7

This prompt applies to three assignments, a large chunk of the quarterÕs work.  In three stages, youÕll be composing an essay of about 1250 words that combines research and argument about a topic close to home. In contrast to the Wikipedia assignment, this project will consist largely of primary research.

The first stage is developing a research proposal.  ItÕs due Wednesday, May 20, 2009.  To prepare this youÕll  explore Resources on Sustainability at Cal Poly looking for a topic and a thesis.  The proposal will include a bibliography of sources of information, including

  1. websites
  2. printed material
  3. personal observation
  4. interviews  (some helpful suggestions about interviewing: general, questions, citing)

Your proposal should map out a tentative plan for the structure of your essay. 

Possible general approaches:

  1. Study and career options relating to sustainability in your major.
  2. Description and  history of a program at Cal Poly that deals with sustainability
  3. A person who has been instrumental in developing such a program
  4. A sustainability project or program that should be started or expanded
  5. A sustainability project that should be changed or abandoned

Possible specific topics:

  1. Sustainable Forestry vs. Sustained Yield Forestry at Swanton Ranch
  2. The Empower Poly Coalition
  3. Cal Poly Compost: past, present and future
  4. Focus the Nation at Cal Poly: A report and Evaluation
  5. The Cal Poly Master plan past, present and future.
  6. How green are current building projects—e.g. Construction Management building, Poly canyon village, new Engineering Complex
  7. Water conservation and wastewater treatment
  8. The solar house; Cal PolyÕs support or lack of it
  9. Comparison of Cal Poly Pomona or Chico State and Cal Poly SLO sustainability programs
  10. Should Cal Poly be a signatory to the PresidentÕs Climate Agreement
  11. University support of sustainable, local and organic agriculture
  12. Are the Poultry and Dairy Units sustainable?
  13. Is the Organic Farm Economically viable?
  14. Sustainability in the food service
  15. The planned expansion of the Rec Center: Sustainable or not?
  16. ASI and sustainability, past, present and future
  17. Parking garages, how many with what consequence?
  18. Campus sustainable transportation and Mobility initiative
  19. Bikes on campus
  20. Paper vs. paperless communication
  21. Brizzolara Creek enhancement program
  22. The campus recycling program

The second stage of this project is producing a first draft by Wednesday May 27.  Include:

  1. A definition of sustainability in relation to your specific subject with positive and negative examples.
  2. Descriptive and/or narrative material to draw in the reader and convey your personal involvement with the subject
  3. Technical or scientific information that will broaden the readers understanding of your subject
  4. Discussion of an issue related to your topic including arguments and counterarguments
  5. A statement of your position on an issue employing logos, pathos and ethos.

The third stage, due on Wednesday, June 10, the date of the Final Exam, is the final draft, incorporating instructorÕs feedback and that from fellow students.