Author Profile

Michael C. Behrent

Michael C. Behrent is a professor of history at Appalachian State University. He specializes in modern European history, modern French history, and European intellectual history. His research relates to French philosophy and political thought. He also writes about French politics for English-language publications and about American politics for French-language publications. He earned his Ph.D. at New York University.

Articles by Michael C. Behrent

Sep 11, 2023 · Michael C. Behrent and Martha McCaughey

The Utopianism of ‘Mental Health’

“Mental health” has become a catchphrase of our time. In 1976, Raymond Williams, the British literary scholar, published Keywords, in which he analyzed nearly 200 words that, in his view,…

Mar 6, 2023 · Michael C. Behrent

“Forbidden-Word” Lists Are a Symptom of Administrative Bloat

On its “Inclusive Language” website, UNC-Chapel Hill reminds readers that words have consequences: “To fully represent the diversity of our students, faculty, staff and everyone in our community,” UNC states,…

Nov 28, 2022 · Michael C. Behrent and K. Steven Vincent

Administrators Have Seized the Ivory Tower

The “ivory tower” has long been the lens through which American popular culture views higher education. The phrase conjures up images of seminar rooms and high-minded ideas debated at a…