Seminar Description

Henry David Thoreau chronicled the benefits of a life lived in communion with the natural world and unearthed the radical insight that “all material things are in some sense man’s kindred, and subject to the same laws with him.” In this seminar, we will read Thoreau’s writings and discuss contemporary environmentalist conceptions influenced by Thoreau’s insights. Is the way of life advocated by Thoreau sustainable or even realistic? In the face of catastrophic climate change, what can we learn from Thoreau about reorienting our own relationship to the material objects we interact with on a daily basis? To what extent does Thoreau’s admonition that “in wildness is the preservation of the world” still apply? Is Thoreau’s writing itself adequate as a response to his social and cultural critiques—i.e., does he walk the walk he proposes?

Four sessions. E – $170, R – $187

Christopher Hagenah received his PhD from the University of California, Santa Barbara and currently teaches at the Chicago Academy for the Arts.

Materials List

Required:

• Walden and Other Writings. Henry David Thoreau. Modern Library, 1992. ISBN: 0-679-60004

First Reading:

• Please read pages 3-60 in Walden and Other Writings.

Registration Information

• Online registration opens at 9 am (CST) on Tuesday, January 7.
• Phone registration opens at 12 pm (CST) on Wednesday, January 8.

Early registration (E) prices are in effect from January 7 at 9 am through January 24 at 4 pm. Regular registration (R) prices are in effect January 24 at 4 pm through the end of the term.

We offer a 10% discount to members, seniors, and students.

**This seminar has been canceled.

Need Help? Please email seminars@newberry.org.

This seminar is part of the Newberry’s Seminars Program. Learn more about registering for a seminar, program policies and procedures, or teaching a seminar.