After reading Starr’s text and the essays in Merchant’s book, write an essay post on the environmental impact of the Gold Rush. Are there any history lessons in the Gold Rush story for current California residents?
One issue you might want to address is the worldview of the miners and others involved, which took little regard for the environment. What might a Christian response to environmental destruction entail?
Please note: Your answer must cite two of the assigned article(s) in the Merchant’s book. Would you please not do Internet research for this assignment?
Your essay must be a minimum of 300 words in length and is due Sunday, July 11.
One response to another student’s original Discussion Board post is also required. A five-point reduction in score will be assessed if no response is given to another student’s post.
Assignment purpose: This assignment will allow you to explore and reflect on the course materials in Week 2. This will be accomplished by studying the week’s assigned readings and PowerPoints.
Grading:
1. Your answer must cite two of the assigned articles in Merchant’s book. If only one article is addressed, then an automatic 10-point deduction applies. If no article is addressed, a 20-point deduction applies.
2. The essay must meet the required minimum length of 300 words. A 7-point deduction per 50 words short will apply.
3. The essay is to be written in complete sentences, including proper grammar and spelling.
4. In-text citations for the sources of information, including information from the textbooks and the course PowerPoints, must be included. Either APA format or MLA format must be utilized. Please see the Purdue OWL for either APA format or the MLA format for properly citing sources.
The student accurately identifies historical information addressing the topic in a full paragraph.
The student reflects on the historical information in a full paragraph and includes a Christian and/or ethical perspective on the topic.
The student supports assertions of fact with in-text citations. The paper meets the 300-word minimum length.
Citations should be made from Carolyn Merchant, ed. (1998). Green vs. gold: Sources in California’s environmental history
A Traveler Reports on the Gold Country, 1849” (101-104)
“Joaquin Miller on Environmental Deterioration in the Gold Country, 1890” (117-119)
as well as the powerpoint presentation
