Instructions
For this assignment, students will write a personal essay, 700-900 words long, in which they describe and explain one specific plant (or closely related family of plants) that are especially meaningful to them as well as to their native cultures.
When identifying a particular plant for this assignment, it is best that students choose one that is important in multiple ways, such as economically, culturally, religiously or spiritually, or medically.
Successful essays will address the following topics:
• a description of the plant's biology (where it grows, how it grows best, threats to the plant's continued existence, etc.)
• the history of the plant in the student's culture, society, and/or nation
• the multiple ways in which the plant is important, both to the individual student and to other members of her or his culture, society, and/or nation
• controversies, debates, and/or conflicts associated with the plant (if and when applicable)
• comparison of the plant to one or more of the plants discussed in the movie The Botany of Desire (apples, tulips, marijuana, and potatoes)
Because this is a personal essay, students are discouraged from using outside research for this assignment. The point of the assignment is to engage students in reflection on their owriknowledge and experience of the plant, and to give students the chance to show their understanding of the movie by relating it to a plant other than the four already discussed. If any students feel they need to use outside research, they must first present any potential outside sources to the instructor for review and approval. This may be done via Cobra mail, during class time, or during the instructor's office hours.