3CT :: Chicago Center for Contemporary Theory

Proceeding from the sense that contemporary theory is lagging behind historical events, the Chicago Center for Contemporary Theory aims to promote sustained comparative, interdisciplinary discussion of the complexities of social processes and political practices in the contemporary world, and to develop new research programs and experimental pedagogies informed by these discussions.

The premise guiding the projects and activities of the Center is that emerging local and translocal political forms require a new mode of comparative investigation – one that conceptualizes them within the context of the rapidly evolving global economic and political order.

To these ends, we seek to further conversations on such pressing questions as:

How should we conceptualize the interrelations between global and local contexts of political action?
To what extent do such existing notions as globalization, empire, nationalism, and democratization help us understand newly emerging political forms?
What is responsible for the emergence of these new forms of politics now? And what new theoretical work must to be done to grasp them properly?

:: What's New ::

Mark your calendars: On May 30-31, 2008, the University of Chicago and a group of former students will host a Conference in Honor of William H. Sewell, Jr. , 3CT Faculty Fellow and Frank P. Hixon Professor Emeritus of Political Science and History. In addition to former students, conference participants will include Geoff Eley, Lynn Hunt, William Reddy, and Joan Scott. For a complete schedule, click here. The conference, to be held in Iday Noyes Hall, is open to the public and Chicago faculty and students are encouraged to attend.

Note: Advance registration is requested. To register (or to request additional information), please RSVP as soon as possible to sewell.conference@gmail.com, and please indicate whether you are a current or former student or faculty member.

3CT is pleased to have been a sponsor of the symposium, Conditions of Settler Colonialism, held at Wilder House, April 25-26, 2008.

Upcoming Theorizing the Present lectures:

3CT Faculty Fellow Danilyn Rutherford on “The Enchantments of Secular Belief,” May 15, 4:30 PM, Harper 130.

Recent Theorizing the Present lectures:

Elizabeth Povinelli (Columbia) on "Recognition, Camouflage, Espionage: Maneuvers of Power in Late Liberalism", April 24, 4:30 PM, Harper 130.

Michael Warner (Yale) on “Sex and Secularity,” Thursday, February 28, 2008, 4:30-6:00, Harper 130.

chicago center for contemporary theory | 5811 S. Kenwood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637
telephone 773.702.0230 | fax 773.702.0235
© 2005-07 university of chicago :: site design by aaron rester