Homework: Shell Oil in Nigeria

Date assigned
Monday, October 14


Assignment
Read the handouts about Shell's involvement with the oil industry in the Ogoni region of Nigeria (links here and here).  Write at least 1.5 pages on the following opinion questions:

1) Should the Shell Oil company have been punished for their actions in Nigeria?  Why or why not?

2) What should Shell Oil’s punishment have been?  Explain your answer.

3) What was the worst thing Shell did?  Explain your answer.

4) What responsibilities do international corporations have when they harvest natural resources in places like Nigeria?  Explain your answer.

5) What responsibilities do national governments have when they allow international corporations like Shell Oil to harvest natural resources in their country?  Explain your answer.

Photo essay:
http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2011/06/nigeria-the-cost-of-oil/100082/

Wiwa vs. Shell Oil on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N10wAPhDJAM&feature=youtu.be&safe=active

Further readings:
http://ccrjustice.org/ourcases/current-cases/wiwa-v.-royal-dutch-petroleum
http://www.umich.edu/~snre492/cases_03-04/Ogoni/Ogoni_case_study.htm
http://nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu/content/ogoni-people-struggle-shell-oil-nigeria-1990-1995


Due date
Read both articles by Thursday, October 17
Turn in margin notes and questions on Monday, October 21