Isaac
Curtis
History from below. To turn the world upside-down.
"You are all together, in the same boat, sailing on the same uncertain sea… "
TEACHING
SEIZE THE FIRE
is a research-based, writing-intensive course that explores what C.L.R. James called "the question of power" from ancient times to the present. It is a historical study of the taking of power. Topics include major rebellions, both successful and unsuccessful, from the Athenian Revolution (508/7 BC) and Uprising of the Slaying of the White Serpent (206-202 BC) to the English, French, and Haitian Revolutions, the Taiping Rebellion and the Indian Revolt of 1857/8, and the anti-colonial and anti-capitalist revolutions of Russia, China, Cuba, Ghana, and Venezuela. Students sit for two in-class exams and propose, write, and revise a research paper on the taking of power in a specific context, informed by comparison to the cases covered in the class. By cultivating and applying research and writing skills to the question of how to change the world, students ask not only what has been done to human beings in history, but what we have done, what we have achieved, and what we have to do.
THIS WEBSITE
is part of my effort to connect with a community of intellectuals and activists committed to recovering the forgotten histories of common people like our selves. It includes information ABOUT ME, including a brief BIO, an up-to-date CV, and CONTACT information. It also includes more information about my RESEARCH and TEACHING interests. To keep up with my recent & forthcoming publications and presentations, I encourage you to FOLLOW ME to receive updates about my work.