Theory, Culture & Society ‘Summer School’, 11-16 September 2023, University of Klagenfurt, Austria

Participants are welcome to apply for the Theory, Culture & Society inaugural Summer School, taking place 11-16 September 2023 at University of Klagenfurt, Austria. Apply online here.

The Summer School provides a dynamic and inclusive forum for research, aimed at established and early career researchers, and also providing opportunities for postgraduate students. Participants will be able to:

• explore contemporary critical debates and perspectives;
• enhance skills and literacies for research and publishing;
• share in a cultural programme.

Situated in the Austrian Alps, the University of Klagenfurt provides an inspiring location for a diversity of scholars to come together from across disciplines and geographies, to work with the experienced editorial teams of the journals Theory, Culture & Society and Body & Society, alongside invited speakers and guests, and staff from the University of Klagenfurt from a broad disciplinary spectrum (Media & Communications, Cultural Studies, Sociology, Philosophy, Slavonic Studies and Robert Musil Institute for Literary Research), who will be on hand to discuss your ongoing research projects.

The intensive programme spans 5 days and is divided into four strands (for which 5 ECTS credits can be awarded):

• What is at stake today? Selected preparatory reading, past and present, provides the focus for curated ‘theory’ seminars, chaired by members of the journal and its network. Building on the recent Special Issue of Theory, Culture & Society, ‘A New Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere?’ (edited by Martin Seeliger Sebastian Sevignani; and including a new contemporary reflection by Jürgen Habermas), the theme for this year’s gathering is ‘Digital Publics: Images, Discourse & Screens’. 
• Scholarly Apparatus: The 40-year history of the journal has witnessed many shifts and trends in research. Workshops will explore the current contexts of research, questioning, for example, the post-university condition and the changing ‘scholarly apparatus’, mapping new ways of working and post-media literacies.
• Work-in-Progress: A special dedicated series invites participants to present on aspects of their own work, with a view to supporting publication and public engagement. Time is also afforded for writing, giving participants an opportunity for quiet study, but within a shared environment.    
• Global Public Life: Building on the journal’s dedicated annual section, ‘Global Public Life’, the Summer School presents a cultural strand of film screenings, engagement with artists, media practices and guest speakers. Held during the evenings, these events provide a relaxed atmosphere, allowing for speculative debate and shared reflections. The programme is also supplemented with a day trip into the mountains.