States of Exception A Colloquium
What's the colloquium about?
The colloquium focuses on people who have struggled for recognition of their full humanity in southwest Virginia and nearby areas.
Why the name?
The colloquium's name adopts philosopher Giorgio Agamben's phrase "states of exception" to focus attention on people considered unworthy of basic human rights.
What will happen at the colloquium?
The colloquium will serve as a planning meeting for participants to share their research and discuss their current projects as well as collaborate with fellow participants.
What are the goals of the colloquium?
The key goals are to identify ways in which: (1) inequities of the past extend into the present or re-emerge under different guise; (2) pooling participants' experience and knowledge of the past can serve the present and future; (3) narratives about people in states of exception can be packaged in ways that are interesting and accessible to diverse audiences, including the public and students (K-12 and/or college).
When is the colloquium?
The colloquium will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. in Elrod Commons at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia.
Who is involved?
Current participants include journalists, faith and community leaders, directors of non-profits, media specialists, and scholars from a range of disciplines. View the full list of participants.
How can I get involved?
Contact the colloquium's organizer Alison Bell by e-mail at bella@wlu.edu.
Who is sponsoring the event?
Refreshments and lunch are courtesy of W&L's Department of Sociology/Anthropology and the John McDaniel Fund for Public Outreach.