SO 355

Weekly Study Guide - November 10

For this week you need to know the following concepts:

For a definition and example, click on a concept and a link will open. The best way to learn this information is to use 3"x5" index cards, writing the concept on one side of the card and the definition and example on the other side. 

The following questions will guide your reading for this week and will serve as a basis for class discussion. Please prepare an answer to the question that corresponds with your assigned number in your small group. You may also use one or more of these questions as a starting point for your fifth essay.
1. According to Barker and Mander, what are the consequences for both farmers and consumers when the small family farms are replaced by giant agribusiness corporations? (Hint: You will need to read beyond page 20 in order to give a complete answer to this question.)
2. What are the issues that Barker and Mander raise with regard to genetically modified organisms (GMOs)? Why might these be harmful to the environment, as well as to people?
3. Why, according to Rosenberg, is it not always a good idea to give cheap food to poor countries? How are the subsidies given to agribusiness by the United States government making Mexican farmers poorer?
4. What impact do the problems described in Rosenberg ’s article have on immigration? Please give specific details that link immigration to these problems.
5. According to Halweil, why is producing and buying food locally a good idea? How does he relate this to “food democracy”?

For a printable version of this week's discussion questions, click here.