Oxford Critical Theory Network

About
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This network was funded from 2018 to2020.

In 2018, critical theory remains a hotly contested topic. For some, it represents an important framework for analysing society. Others claim that it has established anti-empiricism in universities. Where some people see exciting debates in fields ranging from aesthetics to ecocriticism, others see impenetrable word salad. Thus, whilst critical theory is traditionally associated with 20th century interpretations of social issues by the likes of Theodor Adorno or Gillian Rose, its significance is still being fought over in academia and beyond. This network served to disseminate this fraught topic: analysing how theory is represented by its critics and supporters, exploring where critical theory is uncritical, but also considering where it could potentially inform our research in fruitful ways.

However, our interdisciplinary network also looks beyond the theory of the Frankfurt School - we were interested generally in theory that is considered “critical”. We invited researchers, students and other interested parties from any discipline to investigate what it means to “think critically”, interrogating how theories from a diverse set of disciplines, from Anthropology to Music to Physics, can help us to illuminate contemporary issues. 

Oxford University is surprisingly well placed to explore this topic. Whilst theoretical work is being undertaken here in the present day, the history of critical theory at Oxford has yet to be fully acknowledged; Theodor Adorno, Gillian Rose, Terry Eagleton and Stuart Hall have either studied or taught at this institution. Therefore, our network had several aims: to disseminate the fascinating history of critical theory at Oxford, to see how theory can enable us to think critically about topics across disciplines and to support those who use theoretical approaches in their work.

In the 2018/19 academic year we held events, released podcasts and displayed our research. We invited blog posts throughout the year on our network theme. 

 

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Contacts:

Lillian Hingley

Patrick Wheatley

People

Convenors:

Lillian Hingley

Patrick Wheatly

Miriam Schwarz

Lloyd (Meadhbh) Houston

Sarah Bufkin

Dr Diana Leca

Events
Past Events

Oxford Critical Theory Network

 
theories of reading poster 14th october 1
Oxford Critical Theory Network Launch Event (October 2018) 
 Event: A short introduction to the network, a panel on 'critical theory and education' for anyone across the University interested in all "theories that are critical" to meet. 
 
Aphorism/Fragment Creative Writing Workshop (November 2018) 
Event: A short talk by Lillian Hingley (DPhil English) about the famous German theorist Theodor Adorno and his life in Oxford and his use of the aphoristic form, followed by a session for attendees to write their own aphorisms about the sights, objects and their everyday experiences of Oxford. 
 
FP - 5 Minute Presentations: 'Around the Table' (November 2018) 
Event: 'around the table' format: presentations followed by an open discussion.  Staff and students from all disciplines gave 5 minute presentations on anything relating to ‘theories that could be deemed critical’.  
 
Theories of Reading Study Day (October 2019) 
Programme: 
Welcome and introduction - ‘Definitions of Reading’ ‘Around the table’ presentations by participants 
Theory Lucky Dip Session 
Reading Art at the Ashmolean (Ashmolean Museum) 
Reading Oxford City: An Uncomfortable Oxford Tour (beginning at the Ashmolean)  
‘Theories of Reading’: A Literary Roundtable 
 
Theories of Reading: A Literary Roundtable (October 2019) 
 
Oxford Theorists and Literature - An Exhibition (October 2019) 
Event: An informative display about 3 different theorists' lives at Oxford University and their relationship to literature. 
Focus is on Theodor Adorno, Iris Murdoch, and Gillian Rose 

 

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