Explore how the Transcendentalists created an intellectual and cultural revolution. USM Provost and VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Adam delves into this extraordinary intellectual revolution in early- to mid-19th century Concord, Massachusetts. Dr. Tuchinsky will provide an introductory mini-lecture followed by class discussion in a comfortable setting of readings and videos, including segments of original writing and portions of recent histories. This course is specially crafted for OLLI and follows on the successful trip to Walden Pond and the Old Manse this spring (attendance on that trip is not required to participate in this class).
Transcendentalism was the New England branch of the Romantic movement. The Transcendentalists were radical individualists, a stance that would not have been possible without the political revolution of their parents’ and grandparents’ generations.
This group of reformers connect directly to issues we face today, including: the importance of nature in our material and spiritual well-being; civil disobedience and its role in motivating cultural and political change; radical egalitarianism regardless of sex or caste; and the cultural tenor of American education as it relates to living in a contemporary society. By looking back, we will get a new perspective on life today.
