The Chicago Center for Contemporary Theory—known as 3CT—is a space for the critical discussion and reimagination of social, political, and cultural processes in the world today.

Geometric abstract painting
Fadi A. BardawilThursday September 17, 2026

‘Orientalism’ Is Not a Theoretical Machine: Edward Said’s Reckoning with Difference

Thursday, October 8, 2026, 5:00–6:30pm Revolutionary Disappointment and Recalibration
People standing on a street holding hands in protest, with Lebanon flag
Hiba Bou AkarThursday September 17, 2026

Highways of Collective Action

Friday, October 9, 2026, 12:30–2:00pm Revolutionary Disappointment and Recalibration
group of people standing outdoors
Thursday September 17, 2026

New: Doctoral Certificate in Critical Social Theory

abstract black and white texture
Tuesday September 22, 2026

Call for Papers: Critical Social Theory Working Group

People sitting around a couch, talking and eating
Tuesday September 22, 2026

3CT Dissertation Writing Group

black and white thumbs down images against yellow background
Tuesday September 22, 2026

Everyone Hates AI

Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 5:00–6:30pm Theorizing the Present
Red pixelated image of ballot
Eman Abdelhadi, Cathy J. Cohen, Moon Duchin, and Jeffrey A. WintersWednesday September 2, 2026

Power, Rage, and New Possibilities: Midterms 2026

Thursday, October 15, 2026, 6:00–7:30pm Theorizing the Present
Composite of spray paint stencil art of political figures
Anaheed Al-Hardan, Arwa Awan, Julian Go, and Ibrahim KhanWednesday September 2, 2026

Anticolonialism and Social Thought

Monday, October 19, 2026, 5:30–7:00pm New Book Salon
exterior of Foster Hall
Wednesday September 2, 2026

Fall 2026 Co-sponsored Events