Even though it has been chaotic, for the past few weeks we have been discussing two interrelated topics – human population and biodiversity. Recall that Thomas Malthus (and the neo-Malthusian thinkers who have come after him) proposed that the human capability to reproduce would eventually out-pace our ability to produce food. For this series of blog posts you should link these topics (food/agriculture and population) and come down on one side or the other… or fall somewhere in between. The assignment should play out like this:

Week 1 (First Post – 40 points, Due March 26th by 11:59pm): Draw on the course material, and any other web-based sources you find interesting. For this post you are encouraged (but not required to) post a link to some sort of media file – an audio clip, video clip, or picture/figure – which illustrates your (appropriate) take on the population and food situation OR you could post a counterpoint to your take and show where you feel that point is wrong (i.e., you can post a “straw man”).

If you need a hand posting an image, or video for your first blog post, check out these Youtube videos:

Add a picture: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jG89DRZO9fM&feature=related (NOTE: think about what you are doing! You may not be following this video’s directions exactly – adapt your process to fit your situation!)

Add a Youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIdcQRkjgMo&feature=related (NOTE: think about what you are doing! You won’t be following this video’s directions exactly – adapt your process to fit your situation!)