AS 5200 - Environmental Journalism

Credits: 4

Environmental journalism has roots extending back to the writings of early American naturalists and conservationists. It began taking its contemporary form with the publication in 1962 of the book Silent Spring by Rachel Carson which called wide public attention to the impacts of pesticides. The class considers the writings of early naturalists and moves on to the work and legacy of Rachel Carson and the emergence of environmental journalism as a distinct area of journalism practiced in all media. Students write articles and some produce audio and video pieces on environmental issues. The course provides Media & Communications majors with a widening of their perspective, and for those majoring in biology, chemistry and physics a furthering of their skills at communication. Also, it is geared for those focused on politics, government, law and other public policy fields because of the great impact of environmental issues on them. It is a component of the college’s Environmental Studies minor.

Prerequisites
Junior Standing