What is...Revolution?

This virtual conversation brings literary scholars, historians and sociologists together with participants to ask, “What do we mean by ‘revolution?’” and “When do revolutions happen?” Scholars will reflect on how recent events from the Arab Spring to the rise of authoritarianism alter the way we think about the causes and consequences of historical revolutions.

Graduate students are encouraged to join a separate breakout Q&A at the conclusion of the session.

The Folger Institute is a center for advanced research in the early modern humanities at the Folger Shakespeare Library. Learn more.

About the “What is…?” Series

The “What is…” series of virtual afternoon workshops invites you to join an open conversation on important early modern ideas and how they relate to our modern world. In this first round of workshops, scholars from a range of disciplines will guide individual sessions on “Secularity,” “Consent,” “Iconoclasm,” and “Revolution.” Their conversation will be followed by space for participant discussion and questions.