The Humanities Dialogue
NOTE: Due to the pandemic, the WASTE DIALOGUE has been postponed to 2021-2022.
WASTE
A year-long conversation about the ecologies, afterlives, and politics of waste
Filth • Abjection • Accumulation • Remains • Ecosystems • Discard Studies • Degradation • Disposal • Consumption • Throwaway culture • Excrement • Bio-politics • Expenditure • Wastelands • Garbology • Spoilage • Degeneracy • Trash animals • Salvage art • Disaster • Subsistence • Reprocessing • Diversion • Surplus • Idling • Stagnation
When is something deemed expendable?What are the costs?
What can be reclaimed?
The Kaplan Humanities Institute will partner with Northwestern departments and programs in our year-long series of conversations around the theme of WASTE.
The goal of the Dialogue series is to build a multi-layered conversation showcasing ways that different humanities- and art-related approaches shape the debate around a timely subject. We seek to invite artists, public intellectuals, and scholars from a variety of disciplines, geographical areas of focus, and historical periods. The WASTE Dialogue will include:
- Quarterly keynotes – See below for details on two events being scheduled;
- Event co-sponsorship – for speakers who will provide different perspectives on WASTE from any era, approach, or region;
- Related curriculum – We will advertise courses that relate to our theme so that students can join our collective brainstorming;
- Course enhancement grants – We plan to provide funds for enriching related courses.
Keynotes
To be scheduled in 2021-2022
Kate Brown, Professor of Science, Technology, and Society (MIT) and author of Manual for Survival: A Chernobyl Guide to the Future, will speak about points where history, science, technology, and bio-politics converge to create large-scale disasters and modern wastelands.
Kate Orff (landscape architect and MacArthur winner) and Richard Misrach (renowned photographer) will reflect on the aftermath of their book Petrochemical America, which combines visuals and narratives of the Mississippi River industrial corridor to address environmental impact and social justice.
Event co-sponsorship
Kaplan will offer 6-8 event co-sponsorships for distinguished scholars and artists. Calls for submitting proposals will be opened in 2021. Questions? Contact Megan Skord: megan.skord@northwestern.edu
Related curriculum
Kaplan will promote courses related to the WASTE theme in connection with the Dialogue. Course titles and quarter offered can be sent to jill.mannor@northwestern.edu.
Course enhancement grants
Kaplan plans to award funds to cover field trips, performances, or guest lecturer honoraria to augment content of WASTE-related courses. Full details will be announced in 2021. Questions? Contact Jill Mannor: jill.mannor@northwestern.edu