We are delighted to announce that this year's SMLC PGR Symposium will take place on May the 12^th at the University of Warwick in the Oculus (room OC1.01). The symposium 'Rethinking the Crisis across Languages and Cultures' will be a hybrid event with the possibility of attending online.

In recent years, the idea of global crisis has become a common currency we have grown accustomed to. The contradictory nature of the crisis, however, has proven to be one of the biggest catalysts for change, simultaneously destabilising and shaping our societies. While Latour posits that ‘there is a moment when a never-ending crisis turns into a way of life,’ Agamben contends that ‘today, crisis has become an instrument of rule. It serves to legitimise political and economic decisions that in fact dispossess citizens and deprive them of any possibility of decision.’ Be they economical, ecological, psychological or moral, crises have shaped – and continue to shape – the very essence of our human existence.

This symposium will delve into the controversial aspects of the crisis, examining both its potential as a catalyst for positive change and creation and its use as a tool of control, dispossession, or simply a destructive force. It will provide the opportunity to explore crises as a source of artistic and intellectual creation and recreation. Engaging with scholars researching across a variety of disciplines, contexts and time periods, this conference will be a collaborative opportunity to propose a series of questions including but not limited to: How has the concept of crisis changed over time? How have economic, ethical and psychological crises shaped our society? How have they shaped our cultural values and generated new forms of aesthetics? How is the concept of crisis related to the apocalypse and extreme changes and what metaphorical values do they have?

This workshop will guide you through the ways to create engaging talks, videos, podcasts, activities and shows based on your research or your area of work. Through exercises and interaction participants will gain understanding of how to communicate more effectively whatever the setting. Ideal for groups or individuals working towards an event or looking for new ideas to share their work.

Dear all, 

We would like to invite you to the "Culture and Global Responsibility: Rethinking Habitability in the Age of the Anthropocene" conference, which will be held in person at the University of Warwick on 12-14 May 2023.  

Please register here if you would like to attend. We would be grateful if you could complete the registration by Friday, April 21, as this will help us to plan the catering and other aspects of the conference. 

Accommodation:  The University of Warwick is located in the outskirts of Coventry and can be easily reached by public transport. The best options near the university are Coventry, Kenilworth, and Leamington Spa, where there are a number of hotels, B&B, Booking.com, and Airbnb.  

Getting to the University of Warwick: Please check this webpage.  

Conference location: All panels will take place in the Oculus Building, room OC 1.06, apart from the film screening on Saturday 13, which will take place in the Faculty of Arts Cinema. You can check the campus map here.  

Many thanks for your attention and please do not hesitate to contact us at globalresponsibility2023@gmail.com if you have any questions. 

We look forward to seeing you in May! 

All the best,