“Nose-to-Tail Cultural Studies”- Presented by the Department of English

Benjamin Woo researches comics and graphic novels, fans, and all forms of geek culture. His current project is a study of creative labour in the comic-book industry. “Culture is an overused word, applied to everything from the “best that has been thought and said in the world” to the typical routines of a workplace. Yet, it is important to recognize that culture is not a thing, but a whole series of dynamic processes – only some of which are obviously “cultural” – that generate and coordinate the activity of many people. Even the narrower confines of “the arts and letters” are best understood in terms of the practices that constrain and enable cultural activity. Can this range of activity be integrated into our picture of culture without destroying what is specific to literary or cultural experience? In this talk, Dr Woo will briefly discuss his previous research on the subcultural practices of geeks, nerds and fans, as well as his current research on the working practices and conditions of comic-book creators. Examining cultural practice from production to reception, he analyzes the prospects for a “nose-to-tail” approach to cultural studies.” This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome.

Location:

Social Sciences 1153

Speaker:

Benjamin Woo – SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of English, University of Calgary

More information at http://www.ucalgary.ca/events/calendar/nose-tail-cultural-studies-presented-department-english