Critical Theory in an Age of Austerity

Age of Austerity

CRITICAL THEORY IN AN AGE OF AUSTERITY

Critical Theory in an Age of Austerity
Brunel University, London

Tuesday June 21st
Brunel Lecture Centre
Room 207
12.00-4.30

Critical Theory is closely associated with the work of a generation of postwar social theorists. Figures such as Theodor Adorno drew on earlier critical traditions, most notably Marxism, to provide an original and sophisticated critique of society that included groundbreaking work on popular culture, politics and philosophy. Since then, new and exciting strands of critical theory have emerged to take account of the changing nature of (global) societies.

The aim of this workshop is to explore various strands of critical theory in order to help us make sense of our current age of austerity. We will also discuss the possibilities of establishing a critical theory research network at Brunel.

The workshop brings together academics from across the social sciences and humanities at Brunel and will cover both empirical and theoretical issues such as neoliberalism and culture, the Big Society, refugees, queer theory, deconstruction, politics of in/difference, law and critique, structures of feeling, and critical media studies.

All are welcome!

For further information, contact:

John Roberts (Sociology and Communications): John.Roberts@brunel.ac.uk
Gareth Dale (Politics and History): Gareth.Dale@brunel.ac.uk
Peter D. Thomas (Politics and History): PeterD.Thomas@brunel.ac.uk

Travel directions: http://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/campus/directions/directions

Critical Theory in an Age of Austerity
Programme Sessions:

Tea/coffee – available from 12.00

Introduction – 12.15
Gareth Dale (Politics & History)
John Roberts (Sociology & Communications)
Peter Thomas (Politics & History)

Session 1 – 12.30-1.30
Big, Little, Local, or Global Society? (Chair: John Roberts)
Nadine El-Enany (Law)
Fiona Cullen (Social Work)
Milly Williamson (Screen Media)

Break: 1.30-1.45

Session 2 – 1.45-2.45
Theory in the Humanities: Palintropes, Indifference, Queer (Chair: Gareth Dale)
William Watkin (English)
William Spurlin (English)
Sean Gaston (English)

Break: 2.45-3.00

Session 3 – 3.00-4.00
Critical Media Studies, Social Structures, and Law (Chair: Peter Thomas)
Julian Petley (Journalism)
Mike Wayne (Screen Media)
Craig Reeves (Law)

Conclusion:
Critical Theory at Brunel: Prospects for a Research Network/Centre (general discussion)

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