The Omnivore’s Dilemma

Part I – The Omnivore’s Dilemma vocabulary short essay (6 pts)

Choose any three of the following vocabulary words from The Omnivore’s Dilemma and explain how they are related to each other in the context of the book.

omnivore’s dilemma French paradox agrarian or pastoral idyll CAFO monoculture (certified) organic free range “NPK mentality” polyculture management-intensive grazing CSA USDA regulations relationship marketing artisanal (production) foodshed grass-fed

You have a lot of flexibility here, but the objective is to tell a cohesive story. Your response should consist of a single, well-organized, articulate paragraph.

Part 2
Part II – Animal, Vegetable, Miracle vs. Just Food – short essay (6 pts)

James McWilliams and Barbara Kingsolver have very different philosophies about food production and consumption. In one of our previous discussions, you took a side in the argument between their points of view. But your task here is to imagine these two authors in a room together and identify some common ground between them. What do you suppose they would agree upon, and why? Back up your argument with specific examples for support. You may paraphrase the authors or use short quotes as you see fit. Your response should consist of a single, well-organized, articulate paragraph.

Part III – required big picture essay (15 points)

We have already discussed a number of issues related to food production and consumption at this point in the course. As Wendell Berry has pointed out, “eating is an agricultural act” and “how we eat determines… how the world is used.” In one or two paragraphs, demonstrate your growing agricultural literacy by explaining your take on this Wendell Berry quote. What does he mean, in practical terms? Be sure to illustrate your argument with specific examples.

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