What does it mean to consume–things, energy, experiences–on a planet teetering on the edge of climate catastrophe and in a world aflame with genocidal wars?  What are the consequences of the thorough commodification of everything we consume? Can there be consumption beyond the commodity? Should there be consumption beyond the commodity? Do we live amidst crises created by the overconsumption (of some) and underconsumption (of others)? How do the young (versus the old) consume? Are there different cultures of consumption, within nation-states and across them? How is consumption linked to poverty? What is its link to employment and careers, especially for the young? Is there such a thing as queer consumption? How do Indigenous cultures consume and think of consumption? How do you frame a biopolitics of consumption?

Since at a basic biological level to live is to consume, what are the liberatory potentials of consumption? How do you organize for a socially just future with, around or against consumption?

Through these and similar questions, meant merely to be illustrative, this undergraduate seminar focuses on a cultural politics of consumption, as found in literary works as well as other kinds of texts. The seminar is open to analyses of varied aspects of consumption, both necessary and chosen. Analyses may focus on the consumption of objects (food or fashion) as well as experiences (culture and leisure activity) or services (health care).

Papers might read literary works for representations of consumption. They might also focus on aspects of the consumption of literature itself. They might examine consumption comparatively across languages, cultures and genres as well as focus narrowly on single texts in pursuing a central question of broad interest. Readings might also examine films, graphic novels, TV, music and more rather than literature. Even more broadly, they might analyze modes of consumption from sports to social media, or explore the deep infrastructure of consumption from the production of energy to the mining of minerals. A variety of approaches is welcome.

The purpose of the seminar is to take us beyond the idea of a passive "consumer," and to facilitate a lively contemporary discussion of a cultural politics of consumption with liberatory potential.

Accepted presenters can choose to participate virtually (May 15-16) or in person at the University of Houston (May 20-23). Please indicate in the text of your paper proposal which you'd prefer. Limited funding is available to assist with travel costs for undergraduate participants; additional information will be sent upon acceptance.

ABSTRACT: max 1500 characters; SPEAKER BIO: max 500 characters. Applications due December 12.