History of Activism, History as Activism

In the 1970s, social historians - many with roots in activist movements of the 1960s - dramatically transformed the focus and function of the discipline. They turned their studies to those most historically invisible,
and challengedthe notion of historical objectivity. This graduate conference will focus on three different yet interrelated aspects of the relationship between history and activism:

1. Histories of activist groups, individuals, or causes from all time
periods and geographic locations are welcome.

2. History as activism may consider how the work of the professional
historian is activist, including theories of and methods for teaching,
writing, and mentoring.

3. Activists are welcome to submit papers on the use and relevancy of
history to their work, especially considering how historians can make their
work more relevant and accessible to activists.

We hope to receive proposals from historians working not only on Europe and
the Americas, but also on Asia, Africa, and Australia, in any historical
period - including ancient, pre-modern, early modern and modern times.


Deadline for proposals: January 3, 2002.
Accepted panelists will be notified by February 15, 2002.
Conference Date: April 5-6 2002 at Columbia University, New York City
Opening Comments by Professor Eric Foner

Proposals should be 250 words and sent to activismc-AT-hotmail.com or

Department of History (Activism Conference)
Mail Code 2527
611 Fayerweather Hall
Columbia University
New York, NY 10027