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Thoreau and Dissent

About this event

Henry David Thoreau as a writer and 19th-century historical figure has achieved the status of a truly “iconic” figure in the United States, recognizable almost instantly in any one many actual portraits as well as caricatures; critiqued from the right, left, and vague center of the political spectrum — and used by proponents of the right, left, and vague center of political spectrum. He is celebrated as a breaker of laws and proponent of “the higher law.” Where, in this mix, is Henry?

This course looks at the legacy of Thoreau in more recent times and places of felt crisis, from the Vietnam War to the moments in conflict in the Middle East, to the post–9/11 environment of the incarceration of Muslim dissidents in the United States, in comparison to the moments that inspired his writings originally, the war with Mexico over the annexation of the land including what is now called Texas, the Fugitive Slave Act, and John Brown’s Raid at Harpers Ferry, in what is now West Virginia. We will begin with Walter Harding’s 1968 address to the graduating class (and public audience) of SUNY Geneseo, titled “Civilized Disobedience,” and circle back to Thoreau’s essay suggesting the title for this address, and then Hannah Arendt’s essay “Civil Disobedience” of 1970, followed by a chapter from the book Beautiful Souls: The Courage and Conscience of Ordinary People by Eyal Press (2021), and transcripts and documents in the prosecution of Tarek Mehanna (c. 2012). These will be coordinated with other readings from Thoreau including “A Plea for Captain John Brown” and “The Bean Field” (from Walden).

In addition to asking the question “Where’s Henry?” we will ask about the various positions taken in these different circumstances: Right? Left? Vague Center? Law? Higher Law? Or…? How accurate or true a guide to dissent is Thoreau, and how well is Thoreau served by dissenters who cite him?

Instructor Stephen Hahn is emeritus professor of English at William Paterson University and a member of the Coastal Senior College for the past four years. He has taught courses on the literature of aging and on the tradition of “Mill Stories.” He is a member of the executive council of the William Carlos Williams Society and editorial advisory board of the William Carlos Williams Review. He and his wife Chrystena live in Falmouth (Maine) and have a camp in Vassalboro.

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We will follow the current mask policy of the course site.

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Date and Time

Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 9:30 AM until Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 11:00 AM

Location

St. Andrews Church
11 Glidden St.
Newcastle
USA

Event Contact(s)

Stephen Hahn
Instructor

Registration Info

Registration has closed - Event is past

Payment In Full In Advance Only

You must be an active CSC member to register for this course.

Cancellation Policy:

A member may cancel a course registration up to 3 days prior to the start of class and will receive a course credit that can be used for a future registration. No refunds will be given.