Stuffs

HSF 1300, “Crises in Citizenship and Community”

Topic for First Essay (Due Sept. 28, 2010)

In your first paper, you will be applying ideas and concepts from Jared Diamond’s Collapse to analyze how and why societies fail. The paper should be at least five pages in length, typed, double-spaced, and titled. You must also use formal citations. If you have questions regarding appropriate format for your citations, refer to the Chicago Manual of Style or Strunk and White (consistency in your citation format is the most important issue). Concentrate on writing a clear and concise thesis, with effective use of evidence from the readings. Here are some suggested topics:

3. Why Societies Choose to Fail: Throughout his text, Diamond seeks to explain how model societies can cause their own demise. Using relevant examples from at least two of his case studies, explain why particular societies “chose to fail.” What factor(s) prevented them from reforming their destructive habits? Is any one factor most vital to a society’s ultimate success or failure?

In Collapse Diamond describes how each of the societies depicted in the book chose to fail by making poor decisions. In the case of Easter Island, the poor choices made were related to the misuse of the Island’s resources. The governing system of the island gave the people at the top the ability to honor the wrong priorities without suffering the consequences attributed to their decisions. In the case of the Norse in Greenland the poor choices made tied to beliefs and traditions they held and did not want to part with. Instead of moving forward and progressing, the Norse made the conscience decision to ignore evident problems. Each society covered by Diamond had one thing in common, that they each chose to fail as a society.

Rows of 30 foot stone statues lined the roads of Easter Island with the intention to show off power, prestige and even skill. Although the statues were marvels of art and strength...