Post due: Monday, March 18th, Midnight. Reply due: Wednesday, March 20th, Midnight. If not submitted by Monday, two points are taken off for lateness, if not submitted by Wednesday they will not be accepted.

Following the debate activity that we did in class on the validity of Trophy Hunting, we will continue albeit individually and in writing.  I want you to write a coherent essay that 1) describes the problem or issue being addressed, 2) discusses what the solution being offered aims to accomplish, 3) presents your view on this solution, and in your reply to a classmate 4) provide your reaction to the arguments and claims made from the opposite position of yours.

To restate the question we debated, “Is the practice of commercialized trophy hunting a valid means for improving the conservation outcomes of endangered or otherwise threatened animal populations?”

I want you to use some of the articles I posted in the earlier announcement, found here: https://asu.instructure.com/courses/11125/discussion_topics/309349.  But by all means feel free to supplement your essay with facts and figures you may encounter through additional research into this question.  I want to see a well formulated argument in favor of or in opposition to this solution, but one that still addresses what those who may disagree with you would say, not just a litany of your side’s opinions.

To receive full credit, please follow the directions written above with the following Rubric:

2pts – Well written, more than 500 words
2pts – Description of the issue
2pts – Discussion of the proposed solution
2pts – Your reaction to this solution
2pts – Your reply that includes a response to the stance opposite of yours

In this course, we try to emphasize the importance of asking good questions rather than merely debating those holding opposing viewpoints.  However, for this evening’s group activity, we are going to have a debate over the following question: “Is the practice of commercialized trophy hunting a valid method for improving the conservation outcomes of endangered and/or vulnerable animal populations?”

The format of the activity will be as follows.  First, each table has to determine if they are going to be in favor of or against trophy hunting in the context of animal conservation.  Everyone will then be given approximately 20 minutes to discuss the issue among their table, distilling and crystallizing your thoughts into a formulated argument.  After the preparation period is over, each team will choose a spokesperson to go up to the front of the class for 1-2 minutes and present their table’s argument supporting or opposing the issue.  We will present in alternating rounds — one table for, one against, one for, one against, ect…  It’s not a lot of time, so be careful about including in your presentation what is most important.  Likewise, if another table sharing your position on the issue has made a point, try to discuss a separate point rather that repeating what has been said.  After every table has presented, an opportunity will be given for each team to respond to the claims and points made by an opposing team if they so choose. 

this is what shows in the website below

Trophy Hunting Debate Activity
In this course, we try to emphasize the importance of asking good questions rather than merely debating those holding opposing viewpoints.  However, for this evening’s group activity, we are going to have a debate over the following question: “Is the practice of commercialized trophy hunting a valid method for improving the conservation outcomes of endangered and/or vulnerable animal populations?”

The format of the activity will be as follows.  First, each table has to determine if they are going to be in favor of or against trophy hunting in the context of animal conservation.  Everyone will then be given approximately 20 minutes to discuss the issue among their table, distilling and crystallizing your thoughts into a formulated argument.  After the preparation period is over, each team will choose a spokesperson to go up to the front of the class for 1-2 minutes and present their table’s argument supporting or opposing the issue.  We will present in alternating rounds — one table for, one against, one for, one against, ect…  It’s not a lot of time, so be careful about including in your presentation what is most important.  Likewise, if another table sharing your position on the issue has made a point, try to discuss a separate point rather that repeating what has been said.  After every table has presented, an opportunity will be given for each team to respond to the claims and points made by an opposing team if they so choose.

Below are some materials to get started with.  But by all means, feel free to do additional research and present your findings to the class.  I’m not posting here if the materials express a supportive or opposing position so you can make up your own mind without going straight with what your gut feeling suggests.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2017/10/trophy-hunting-killing-saving-animals/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

A 7 minute clip from the show Adam Ruins Everything:Why Trophy Hunting Can Be Good for Animals (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

https://www.cnn.com/2015/05/19/opinions/trophy-hunting-not-conservation-flocken/index.html (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

Trophy hunting in AZ: https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2018/04/03/human-society-drops-effort-to-ban-trophy-hunting-in-state/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

Hunting licenses in the US: https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/02/us/auctions-introduce-market-forces-to-conservation-but-hunters-cry-foul.html (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

I have also attached three documents from the academic literature below. Take note that they make up a series of responses to each other, perhaps similar to how we will do our activity. That said, I hope you all take a moment to read an article or two.

Banning Trophy Hunting Will Exacerbate Biodiversity Loss.pdf
Does Trophy Hunting Support Biodiversity A Response to Di Minin et al.pdf
Trophy Hunting Does and Will Support Biodiversity A Reply to Ripple et al.pdf