The connection between human history and volcanic activity

Submit a researched essay in which you discuss the connection between human history and volcanic activity. The essay must somehow include the example of the Mont Pelee in Martinique and include a relevant map or maps (at least 1). It is recommended the maps of the Mont Pelee eruption be prepared through the use of ArcGIS online or through equivalent computer mapping. The essay needs to be broader than just the Mont Pelee example.Essay needs to be analytical. Length: aim for 6-8 pages of text [1800-2400 words]. Required bibliography of sources used. Some systems for citing the reference material used in the text (and illustrations).
Due December 3rd.
Research:
You can start with the course materials and readings.
[Not just the volcanic materials.]
Internet and library research provides lots of examples and analytical material.
Analysis;
In your research and writing you need to look for patterns, themes, to find questions to ask about the topic.
Analysis and argument need to drive the essay, not colourful examples.
Volcanoes can have a drastic impact locally, but can they also affect humans at the global scale?
Typically or just sometimes?
Should we be sceptical of the claims that volcanic events intrude into broader human history?
Environmental determinism gone too far?
ArcGIS online:
Map(s) with your Mont Pelee example a requirement.
But the assignment treats the use of ArcGIS online as ‘recommended’.
Also acceptable to use other computer mapping systems.
I am using QGIS for my research at the moment, and used it to create the map layers in the Zip files.
Something of a learning curve with ArcGIS.
But worth the effort for this and other courses.
Computer mapping:
Maps and illustrations which you find in reference sources can be included in your essay.
But, if you create maps, make them legible and clear, choose colours, backgrounds which make them as easy to read as possible.
Dependence on screen capture makes it difficult to handle legends, north points and scales.
Make the maps/illustrations do some work in the argument, don’t just put them in for decoration, refer to them in the text.
I will take care of the computer mapping after the essay, so you can just ignore that part.

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