Decolonial Reading Group

The decolonial reading group is open to anyone who wishes to learn more about decolonial and postcolonial theory. We are a student led group and hope to make academic theory and discussion more accessible. The group will read to the best of their ability  1-3 theoretical readings weekly based around a theme or author and then meet to discuss and consider the purpose of the theory, its application, usefulness in academia and beyond, and any contradictions or issues both practical and theoretical that may have arisen regarding the chosen theme. The purpose of this group is to provide a friendly and judgment-free space for all students to explore and better their understanding of key academic theories and provide a budding community of scholars who can provide guidance and expertise in their field and educational background. The readings will be focused on different theoretical aspects of decolonial and postcolonial thought, taking a transnational approach, and utilising thinkers from the Western Canon, South Asian Studies, and African studies to examine different events and schools of thought thematically.  Some weeks there will be an author focus, to explore how key thinkers’ theories evolved with their circumstances and track intellectual development.

The reading group will also provide a space in which masters and undergraduate students can mingle and discuss decolonial and post-colonial theory with DPhil students who will provide guidance and expertise on certain topics. the layout of the reading group will be based on individual contributions and while a plan has been made for the first term's reading, after the first term of its existence the termly topics and themes will be chosen by the members of the group.

Alisha Odoi-Smith (DPHil, Faculty of History) co-organiser, alisha.odoi-smith@ccc.ox.ac.uk

Hannah Ezer (MPhil, Faculty of History) co-organiser, hannah.ezer@mansfield.ox.ac.uk