Friday the 13th will be lucky at UBC this month, as it is the location for a very hot session courtesy of the New Media and Culture Research Network, a public plenary on Literature, Culture, and the Digital Artifact.
Arthur and Marilouise Kroker (among many other things co-editors of CTheory) will speak on “Body, Codes, and Power”. And N. Katherine Hayles will be speaking on “The Future of Literature”. (Abstracts and speaker info)
The event is this Friday, 2:00-4:45 at a very fine venue, the Cecil Green Park House, and a reception will follow.
At this point it looks like I will only be able to attend part of this event (childcare), but I’m hoping to see both speakers, it’s an outstanding double-bill.
Hmmm, should be interesting. I used to read Kroker a lot in my undergrad days – the Panic Encyclopedia (http://www.ctheory.net/book2.asp?bookid=11) was a favourite back then. And low and behold, it looks like he’s moved out West – I hadn’t realized, but apparently he’s got some boondoggle set up at U Vic now (http://www.ctheory.net/articles.aspx?id=405) instead of Concordia. Actually I shouldn’t dis Kroker, I think he’s usually pretty accurate in his analyses, but your post prompted me to troll around that world and it reminded me why I turned my back on it – lots of yakkin’, no direct actin’. “Oooh, oooh, look at the big bad hegemony. Bad hegemony. Bad.” Sit. Roll Over. Woof.
O.K. I officially owe you one (at least) beer the next time I see you for acting out my crappy mood in your comments area. And I wonder, still I wonder, who’ll stop the rain (32 days and counting!)
Did you make it to this? I kept half an eye out, but didn’t see you. Can’t say I was too impressed, though, I’m afraid.
I did attend, though because of childcare I was a bit late and had to leave immediately after.
I missed part of the Krokers’ talk, though I had some issues with what I heard… but I’ll admit to being a too rusty with my theory critiques to attempt one here. I’ll happily do so over a beer sometime.
I liked the Hayles talk better, though I thought the “Future of Literature” title was a bit grand. If the talk had been framed more modestly then the strong points would have been enhanced.
But it was nice to get to this, and I give full marks to the organizers for pulling together a compelling session (the place was overflowing with attendees, so obviously there’s interest) in a very fine venue.