Directions
1. Choose a Topic
Your topic should have something to do with what we've been reading and discussing in Schlosser's Fast Food Nation. What did you find interesting about the book? Anything that you particularly agreed with, disagreed with, or wanted to know more about? You can choose a topic that Schlosser covers in depth (the seminars are a good jumping off place, if any of them interested you particularly.) You could also choose a topic more loosely related to Schlosser's ideas.
Here are a few suggestions, if you are stuck for a topic. Remember, you are free to choose whatever topic you want; you do not have to confine yourself to this list. The only requirement is that the topic be somehow related to the material presented in the book.
- Sustainable agriculture, or organic farming
- Animal rights/factory farming
- Immigrant influence on and role in agriculture
- Corporate control over food supply
- The Controversy over Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
- Eating disorders in the US
- The effect of advertising on children
- School's influence on children's eating habits
- Cultural attitudes toward food and eating
- Worker's rights
- Childhood obesity
- The influence of fast food culture worldwide
- Small farms vs. Big Agribusiness
- Crop diversity
- Movements in response to our fast food culture (i.e. the Slow Food movments, locavores, Farmer's Markets, victory gardens, heirloom and heritage foods, etc.)
- Political battles over food policies
- Food borne illnesses
- Free choice - propose another topic inspired by the reading and/or discussions.
Keep in mind: you can argue with points that Schlosser makes, if you disagree with him or see flaws in his logic. See the following article by and interview with Charlotte Allen, who argues that people like Schlosser are elitist and should lay off fast food and other cheap goods:
Op-Ed: Keep Your Self-Righteous Fingers Off My Processed Food, by Charlotte Allen, originally printed in the L.A. Times
Op-Ed: Hands Off My Haagen-Dasz and IKEA : an interview with Charlotte Allen on NPR's All Things Considered.
2. Identify your issue and create a list of questions or avenues of inquiry.
What is the issue or problem, as you see it? What do you already know about this issue? What more would you like to know? Who does the issue or problem affect, and how? What are the direct and indirect causes of this problem? What might be some solutions or further recommendations?
3. Develop a research strategy. Where will you go to get the answers to your questions?
4. Find and evaluate information. Find credible sources to help you develop your ideas about your topic.
5. Create an Annotated Bibliography to keep track of your information.
6. Formulate a thesis and an outline of the main supporting points.
7. Create a rough draft with citations.
Make sure you are using both parenthetical (in-text) citations and a final Works Cited! The final copy of the Works Cited will be an updated version of your Annotated Bibliography, without the annotations.
8. Proofread, edit, revise and submit!
9. Relax with your favorite beverage. Congratulations
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