In Why Dogs Hump and Bees Get Depressed, Dr. Mark Bekoff advocates for a new era of human “rewilding,” in which we are “better and more closely connect[ed] with nature.” In a “rewilded” paradigm, humans would peacefully cohabitate with the wild world, including releasing captive animals, restoring delicate ecosystems, and “focus[ing] on the good side of human and animal nature.” It is an idyllic and ambitious vision to be sure, but is it realistic? Do advocates of “rewilding” offer a plausible alternative to the status quo? Just how much “rewilding” is likely or realistic? Additionally, how do recent scientific findings about animal emotion and intelligence shape the “rewilding” debate? In a concise essay, objectively evaluate the merits of the “rewilding” philosophy. Cite specific evidence from Why Dogs Hump and Bees Get Depressed to support your thesis.
Notes on writing an evaluation essay:
- An evaluation essay is an objective critique of an idea or thing
- Your thesis should clearly state A) what judgment you’ve rendered and B) why
- Be explicit about the idea or thing being evaluated—clearly define it in your essay
- The basis of a sound evaluation consists of: the judgment (your view of said idea), the criteria (the reasons why you have formed your opinion), and evidence (the framework that supports your judgment)
- Consider the idea as a whole or thing, but also in parts (e.g. is it stronger as a whole or in parts?)
- Your judgment should be logical—ideas deserve to be evaluated on sound rhetorical principles
Requirements:
- Two full pages
- MLA Style
- Parenthetical citation
- Works cited page
Due: Wed 2.16 (Draft 1; bring 2 copies); Wed 2.25 (Draft 2); Wed 3.5 (Final draft—with 2-3 words cut from each sentence; attach drafts 1 and 2 to back)
