53-4755J Silent Spring: Journalism That Awoke the World

Course examines poetic, political, and polemical elements of Rachel Carson’s literary journalism as well as personal challenges the twentieth century writer faced. Her final work, Silent Spring, documented the ecological harm of DDT pesticide. Initially rejected by 15 magazines, her investigative reportage went on to become an international bestseller. Despite harsh and often sexist criticism, her findings were confirmed by the U.S. government. Her expose helped rewrite federal laws and create the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

1 Credits