Henry David Thoreau in His Time and Ours
How did Henry David Thoreau’s words and deeds speak to the most profound moral challenges of his time and how might they continue to speak to us today? We will begin by examining Thoreau’s work within the social context of mid-nineteenth century New England, closely examining primary texts including Walden, “Civil Disobedience,” The Journals, and his essays on slavery. Next, we will ask what relevance Thoreau has today. How do Thoreau’s critiques of nineteenth-century US culture speak to the current issues we now face, including environmental degradation, social injustice, the climate crisis and our quest for well-being? (ENVS 0215) 3 hrs. sem.