Think Big! A Modest Argument About Large Scales
The idea of world literature contains an argument in favour of large-scale comparative projects. But most humanities disciplines have shied away from these sorts of projects, deterred by a scepticism with respect to grand narratives and worries about Eurocentric universalism. In this context, other disciplines from physics to biology have taken over the job of telling overarching stories.
Professor Martin Puchner will argue that much gets lost when we neglect the big picture. But how should we humanists proceed, taking into account decades of critique? Through what kinds of collaborations can we insert what we know into the narratives our societies tell? In making this argument, Professor Puchner will be drawing on his experience with the Norton Anthology of World Literature.
The guest speaker for this event is Martin Puchner, the Byron and Anita Wien Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Harvard University
Date:
8 November 2019, 17:00 (Friday, 4th week, Michaelmas 2019)
Venue:
Weston Library, Broad Street OX1 3BG
Venue Details:
Lecture Theatre
Speaker:
Professor Martin Puchner (University of Harvard)
Organising department:
The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities (TORCH)
Organiser contact email address:
anbara.khalidi@humanities.ox.ac.uk
Part of:
The Princeton University Press Lecture Series in European History and Culture
Topics:
Booking required?:
Required
Booking url:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/princeton-university-press-lecture-2-a-modest-argument-about-large-scales-tickets-76264355741
Booking email:
anbara.khalidi@humanities.ox.ac.uk
Cost:
Free
Audience:
Public
Editor:
Anbara Khalidi
