Diffracting difference and identity: Masterclass with Karen Barad, hosted by AusSTS


Difference is not some universal concept for all places and times, but is itself a multiplicity within/of itself. Difference itself is diffracted. Diffraction is a matter of differences at every scale, or rather in the making and remaking of scale (spacetimematterings).

Karen Barad, ‘Diffracting Diffraction: Cutting Together-Apart’

In this two-day masterclass workshop, we invite researchers engaged with questions of difference and identity to re-turn and diffract their critical practice. Under the guidance of celebrated Feminist STS scholar Professor Karen Barad, this masterclass will question how identities or ontologies premised on bodily difference—gender, sexuality, race and dis/ability—are patterned and materialised to consider how these differences might be diffracted and reconfigured otherwise. The two days will be arranged to include sessions to share research with peers, engage in close readings of Barad’s work, and to develop writing projects.

This event is supported by the Deakin Science and Society Network (DSSN) and is hosted by the network’s student contingent, the Australasian STS Graduate Network (AusSTS). All early career and postgraduate researchers from any discipline or university are invited to apply.

What: A two-day masterclass with Professor Karen Barad for early career and postgraduate researchers. Participants will be asked to read two articles and to prepare a 10-minute presentation on any aspect of their research in advance of the masterclass.

When: 10:15 – 17:00, Wednesday 26th September and Thursday 27th September. Participants must attend the entirety of the masterclass.

Where: Abbotsford Convent, Abbotsford VIC

Cost: $30 (for venue hire and catering)

To apply:

Please email your CV and a 250 word description of how your research relates to the theme “diffracting difference and identity” to austsgradnetwork@gmail.com with the subject: “Application: Diffracting difference masterclass” by July 9, 2018 (AEST). Late applications will not be accepted.  

Applications will be assessed on 1) their relevance to the themes of the masterclass and 2) in the best interest of creating a diverse cohort of participants. Applicants will receive notification of the outcome of their application by July 31, 2018. The required readings will also be circulated at this time. Participants from outside of Melbourne will need to arrange their own travel and accommodation.

For questions, please contact masterclass co-ordinators Thao Phan and Joe Latham at austsgradnetwork@gmail.com.

 

Draft schedule (subject to change):

    Wednesday 26 September   Thursday 27 September
10:15 – 12:15   Introductions and short presentations   Short presentations
12:15 – 13:15   Lunch   Lunch
13:15 – 15:00   Unpacking the reading   Unpacking the reading
15:00 – 15:30   Afternoon break   Afternoon break
15:30 – 17:00   Writing space   Writing space