Course Description

Instructor: David Slavin

Step into Ted Allen's deep perspective on origin and course of class conflict in US history, as I unveil a previously unpublished master work of his, "The Kernel and Meaning." Allen is widely known for his seminal 2-volume study "The Invention of the White Race" (3rd ed. 2021, Verso Press), and his influence extends to many activists and scholars including me, as I will show with my own essay on the Social Security Act of 1935. This course offers a unique, holistic perspective on political strategy, challenging conventional wisdom and assumptions embraced by the main trends of the progressive movement. Navigate uncharted territories through these two essays, with their insights paving the way for provocative discussion of innovative directions in the realm of radical reform. Join me in exploring these unconventional paradigms and discovering the hidden potential for a transformative shift in contemporary political dynamics and a comprehensive re-evaluation of the sweep of US history.

Bio: David received his PhD from the University of Virginia in the Department of History. He has published mover a dozen journal articles and has taught for over 25 years in the areas of European, World and U.S. History. He was the research director of the Hospital Workers Union in NYC and was also a labor organizer for 7 years.