For your final assignment, you are asked to write a 1500 word (approximately!) essay that addresses the question “Do computer models matter in the challenge of tackling climate change?”.
You can tackle this question in any of a number of different ways. For example, you could focus on what you think is important right now, or you could take a more historical approach to the development of our understanding of climate change. You could explore what motivates people to act, or you could explore how scientific evidence is used in decision-making. You could address how well computer models help us to answer the questions that matter, or you could focus on issues that you don’t think are being addressed at the moment.
But don’t try to do too much; you’re not expected to write a survey paper. Instead, pick one way of thinking about the question and consider about how you would persuade people that this view makes sense. However you choose to answer the question, your essay should consist of a clear, well-structured argument, with appropriate evidence used to support the points you are making.
You may make full use of work you’ve done for previous assignments in this course to provide examples in your essay. You are especially encouraged to reflect on what you’ve learned during the course, what insights you’ve gained from the assignments, and to incorporate these reflections in your essay. Most importantly, your essay should demonstrate your ability to think critically about the ideas we’ve explored in this course, and to identify interesting and important issues.
Some useful tips:
- Good tips on many aspects of essay writing from the U of T writing
- Picture your poor professor marking these essays….
Due Date: April 15, 2011.
Do we need work citation?
Just as an FYI, I plan to explore the social aspect of computer models and how they convey information to the general public.