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Understanding Radicalism - Past and Present Perspectives

Explore radicalism in historical and contemporary contexts, delving into what makes individuals radical and the societal perceptions of radicalism. Learn about influential radicals in American and non-American history and the conditions for radical conversion.

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Understanding Radicalism - Past and Present Perspectives

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  1. CORE 400 Nature of Radicalism

  2. Administrative • Make sure you check the course requirements on the home page • All written assignments should be in the following format • Double-space • 12 point arial font • Left margin of 1.5 inches • Slides on the course home page

  3. Today • People who were/are radical? • What makes them radical (and others not)? • Again people who were/are radical?

  4. I. People Who Were/Are Radical? • Name some past Americans who were radical • Name some contemporary Americans who are radical • Name some past non-Americans who were radical • Name some contemporary non-Americans who are radical

  5. II. What Makes Them Radical and Others Not? • Dictionary Definition – • 1. of or going to the root or origin, fundamental (a radical difference) • 2. thorough-going or extreme, esp. as regards change from accepted or traditional forms (a radical change) • 3. favoring drastic political, economic or social reforms

  6. II. What Makes Them Radical and Others Not? • Dictionary Definition – • 4. Forming a basis or foundation • 5. Existing inherently in a thing (radical defects of character)

  7. III. Again People Who Were/Are Radical • Consider again the people we said were radical • Have you changed your mind about any of them? • Which ones and why?

  8. Next Time • Areas of Radicalism • Are you radical?

  9. Nature of Radicalism Class 2

  10. Administrative • Any questions about requirements

  11. Today • Areas of Radicalism • Are you radical? • Being labeled radical

  12. I. Areas of Radicalism • In what areas did the dictionary define a desire for drastic reform as radical? • Political system • Economic system • Social relations • Are there other areas where ideas or people might be considered radical?

  13. I. Areas of Radicalism • Psychology? • Philosophy? • Education? • Literary Criticism? • Religion? • Other? • In each case what would radicalism look like? What kinds of ideas might be considered radical?

  14. II. Are you radical? • How many of you consider yourselves to be radical? • In what ways? • Why are you not radical? Are all your views about everything completely conventional?

  15. III. Being Labeled Radical • Is it a term of opprobrium or praise? • Always? • Barry Goldwater?

  16. Next Time • Becoming a World Saver: A Theory of Conversion to a Deviant Perspective

  17. Nature of Radicalism Class 3

  18. Administrative • Any questions

  19. Today • Conditions to Undergo Conversion • Deviant Perspectives and Radicalism • Other Explanations for Radicalism

  20. I. Conditions to Undergo Conversion • What do Lofland and Stark Say Are the Conditions for People to Undergo Conversion? • Feeling of acute tension • Be pre-disposed to religious rather than political or psychological interpretations • This leads to self-definition as a religious seeker

  21. I. Conditions to Undergo Conversion • What do Lofland and Stark Say Are the Conditions for People to Undergo Conversion? • Exposure to relevant perspective at turning point in life • Have a close relationship with one or more converts

  22. I. Conditions to Undergo Conversion • What do Lofland and Stark Say Are the Conditions for People to Undergo Conversion? • Outside attachments absent or neutralized • Must be in context where the perspective can be reinforced • All of these are necessary conditions

  23. II. Deviant Perspectives and Radicalism • Suppose one is predisposed to political or psychological interpretations? • Are all radical perspectives deviant? • What if the conversion is to a mainstream view?

  24. III. Other Explanations for Radicalism • Is it the product of insanity? • Is it the product of unusual insight? • Is it the product of social isolation? Of not fitting in?

  25. Next Time • Begin our discussion of Utopianism with a discussion of Thomas More’s Utopia

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