Call: Open Cities Reading Circles

If you are starting a new research project and struggling to read specific scholarly text(s), we invite you to suggest and facilitate a reading circle within our Open Cities events. Our reading circles provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in texts that invite reflection, dialogue, and critical engagement from colleagues. We are dedicated to expanding and questioning disciplinary canons by foregrounding marginalized or overlooked scholarship. Moreover, we aim to recontextualize classical texts, exploring their enduring relevance in contemporary social, political, and cultural discourse.

At our reading circles, we foster interdisciplinary conversations on a wide range of topics, including epistemic justice, environmental justice, (neo)colonialism, neoliberalism, urban inequality, mediation, connectivity, and infrastructural dynamics in globalized cities. Through interactive formats like fishbowls, participants actively contribute to discussions, sharing insights and listening to diverse perspectives. Some of our reading circles respond to pressing global urban emergencies, focusing on specific cities or regions grappling with forced displacement, environmental crises, economic injustices, and armed conflict. For example, we have recently organized events centered on Palestine, Sudan, and Congo. These sessions offer an opportunity to deepen understanding and solidarity with communities facing complex challenges. Additionally, we host reading circles around thematic topics that encourage comparative analysis of different cities, fostering nuanced discussions and insights.

How to Get Involved?

• Facilitate: Are you passionate about a particular topic or text? Consider facilitating a reading circle session! Share your expertise and guide discussions that inspire critical thinking and reflection.
• Propose Texts: Have you come across a scholarly work that deserves wider attention? Suggest it for our reading circles! We welcome diverse perspectives and aim to create a rich tapestry of readings.
• Participate: Join us for thought-provoking discussions and expand your intellectual horizons. Whether you're a seasoned scholar or new to the field, your voice is valued in our inclusive community.

For more information or to get involved, please visit Open Cities website or contact opencities@uu.nl. Join us in our journey of exploration, dialogue, and intellectual growth through our vibrant reading circles!