In this activity, Step 1 (Choosing an Issue) has been done. Your role is to define the problems in an issue by identifying the players, their positions, their beliefs and the associated values that support their beliefs (Steps 2-4).

Assignment #7: Analysis of an Issue

Reading Assignment: Farmers, Hunters Spar Over Refuge

Read the newspaper article, “Farmers, Hunters Spar Over Refuge.” After reading the article:

(1) identify the players are affected by or have a role in the issue,

(2) suggest how they stand on the issue,

(3) hypothesize what each player cares about; and

(4) suggest what each group would propose as a solution.

NOTE: Through activities such as this one, students will learn that the analysis of any issue involves being able to identify the following components:

Problem:  A condition in which the status of someone or something is at risk.
Issue:  A problem about which differing beliefs and values exist.
Players:  The individuals or organizations having a role in the issue.
Positions:  The postures of the players concerning the issue.
Beliefs:  Those ideas concerning the issue, whether true or false, held by the players.
Values:  Those guides that tend to reflect the relative importance of beliefs in a given situation, such as, aesthetic (appreciation of beauty); ecological (maintenance of integrity of natural systems); economic ( exchange of goods and services for money); cultural (maintenance of the practices of a societal unit); or recreational (use of leisure time)
Solutions: The various strategies available to resolve the issue.

(Note: You can create similar and multiple “issue analysis” exercises for your students using local newspaper or periodical articles.)

Institute Discussion Board