Assignment for Silent Spring Discussion, due October 16 I.

Background Preparation In preparation for class discussion, read the following article that summarizes the impact of Rachel Carsons Silent Spring. Do you agree with the claim that this author is making? Do you believe that Carsons book really had such a widespread effect? Feel free to come back to this question at the end of this assignment. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/23/magazine/how-silent-spring-ignited-theenvironmental-movement.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

Not required, but you may also view the following clip(s) that discuss the background and reception of Rachel Carsons ideas. What is your reaction to these interpretations? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xA7-XNezc0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhlXNjpI5A4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aycQKk4qn_Y

II. Silent Spring Reading Though we will be discussing Silent Spring and its impact as a whole, focus on the following chapters: Chapters 1-4 Chapter 12, The Human Price Chapter 17, The Other Road

III. Public Engagement Before class, please interview or ask three people the following questions. Record their reactions, responses, or thoughts on the issue. Use the results to comment on your general understanding of public perception (or personal understanding) regarding Rachel Carson, environmentalism, and the use of pesticides in modern agriculture. We will share our findings in class! Do you know what petrochemicals are and what they are used for? Can you give an example? In your opinion, how did the modern environmental movement begin? Do you know of any legislation today that regulates the use of pesticides on crops or food products? In your opinion, what is the role of government in regulating the use of pesticides on food crops?

IV. Discussion Questions

As you work, keep in mind the following questions which we may discuss as a class: In your opinion, what was Rachel Carsons motive in publishing Silent Spring? What are the strengths and weaknesses of Rachel Carsons scientific argument and/or writing style? What is her argument or purpose? What impact did Silent Spring have on the general public and on the environmental movement? What was the reaction of the public and/or of the government? How can we use Rachel Carsons ideas to mitigate the current environmental crisis?

Presentation Outline (30 minutes) PowerPoint for 10-15 minutes, rest is group discussion Critique of the book: strengths and weaknesses? Split up presentation into background of book/author, summarization of points, reception/evolution of ideas into today, tie into focus points listed below Social aspect of authors background as woman scientist, activist, politician? Question of timing: why 1962? What cultural/social implications at this time? Use of scientific data and evidence? Book Reflections & Key Points - tie into syllabus learning goals Petrochemicals, synthetic chemicals, DDT: what are they? These chemicals cause health defects, toxic effects as outlined by Carson What is the economic benefit of using pesticides? Is this worth the social cost? What is the role of the government in regulation? Is legislation the only method toward change? Why is Silent Spring considered to be the basis of the modern environmental movement? How did the novel change cultural perception of environmentalism? What was Carsons role as a female activist, scientist, and political advocate? Assignment Take-away message is that we expect public understanding of sustainability to be shotty at best. I would garner that many people wont know the history of the sustainability movement (sparked by Silent Spring) either, which makes the topic even harder to discuss as a current social, political, economic issue...No one understands the background or the fact that this has been an evolving problem for quite some time. Focus points to address in your assignment (see also grading rubric): How has this form of media and/or this piece in particular impacted the American psyche on the topic of environmental awareness? What about it makes it particularly effective or relatively ineffective? How has this writer/performer gotten his message across what are the strengths and weaknesses of this/these propagator(s) of ideas? What swayed you, what turned you off? Would I consider the writer/performer especially influential why or why not? Compare and contrast pieces within assigned topic (if applicable) as well as between your

topics and those of other topics from the class. What about the science, if any, behind your piece why did the public find it valid, was there dissent or push back, what is your critique of the science? Discussion Questions What is the economic benefit of using pesticides? Is this worth the social cost? Why is Silent Spring considered to be the basis of the modern environmental movement? How did the novel change cultural perception of environmentalism? Question of timing: why 1962? What cultural/social implications at this time? Use of scientific data and evidence?