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About this event
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.
Members must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to register for this course.
We will follow the current mask policy of the course site.
If you want to register and are not yet a member, Click here for New Member Signup
Location
St. Andrews Church
11 Glidden St.
Newcastle
USA
Event Contact(s)
Stephen Hahn
Instructor
Registration Info
Registration is required
Payment In Full In Advance Only
You must be an active CSC member to register for this course.
Registration cancellations will be accepted until Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 11:45 PM
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.
Capacity
18 Total Slots
9 Available Slot(s)
Invalid Quantity