As you know, the study and development of Marxism have consistently called for continuing critical and interdisciplinary orientations toward diverse societal issues. Therefore, our objectives are: to promote the necessity of critical reflection relevant to Marx at the beginning of the new century; to encourage the development of approaches that focus on social change.
Background info: There is both a Canadian committee and a Cuban committee because the committee in Cuba solicited the advice and organization of a committee outside of their country due to difficulties in communication. Thus, it should be noted that Canada does not have any special positioning with regards to the conference panels; rather, they are merely integral to the administration and organization of the conference. Several notable Cuban philosophers, sociologists and political scientists have confirmed their attendance and participation. We also have confirmed delegates from Latin America, throughout Europe, Asia the United States and Canada. This is an interdisciplinary conference, with theorists ranging from cultural critics through prominent sociologists and political scientists.
A preliminary list of the speakers that have confirmed their participation are:
Dr. Terry Eagleton (University of Oxford) Dr. Malcolm Sawyer (Leeds University) Dr. Ankie Hoogvelt (The University, Sheffield) Dr. Werner Bonefeld (The University of York) Dr. Edward Nell (New School) Dr. H.W. Overbeek (Free University, Amsterdam) Dr. Neil Smith (Rutgers University) Dr. Robert Jessop (University of Lancaster) Dr. John Holloway (University of Edinburgh) Dr. Carlos Delgado (Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas) Dr. Rogoberto Pupo Pupo (Universidad de la Habana) Dr. Orlando Suarez Tajonera (Aesthetics, Instituto Superior de Arte)
The members of the Canadian committee are as follows: Rob Albritton, Professor of Political Science, York University Eduardo Canel, Co-ordinator Latin American & Caribbean Studies Program, York University Lynette Thoman, President, University Term in Cuba, Inc. and grad student, York University
The members of the Cuban committee are: Norma Galvez, Vice-Rectora, Instituto Superior de Arte, Havana, Cuba Mario Masvidal, Professor of Linguistics, Instituto Superior de Arte, Havana, Cuba Isobel Monal, Editor in Chief, "Marx Now" - Havana, Cuba Thalia Fung, Chair, Society of Philosophical Research, Havana, Cuba Olga Fernandez, Principal, Institute of Philosophy, Havana, Cuba Pablo Guadarrama, Chair, Latin American Philosophy, University of Las Villas, Cuba
The costs of the conference are as follows: The conference fees are $100 Cdn/$75 U.S. Grad student fees are $75 Cdn/$50 U.S. Cuban participants will pay in pesos.
I have made arrangements with a beautiful hotel, The Havana Libre (same site as the conference itself) which was the former Hilton in the Batista days. I have negotiated the room rates down from $150 US per night to $60 per night. This rate includes breakfast and the cost of the average meal would range between $6 - 15 (the former as a luncheon and the latter for dinner including a beer or glass of wine). The dinner, should you decide to participate, will be approximately $30 US.
With regards to travel, we can advise and assist in the bookings of your flights. The average cost from Toronto is approximately $579. **Translators will be provided at the conference.
Suggested Panel Orientations include (but are not limited to):
I Role of Intellectuals in Cultural Development A self-critical approach to Marxist theory - the rhetoric of theory; the pragmatics of praxis; who are we as Leftist critics...who are we as Leftist intellectuals?
II. Identity Politics/Cultural Studies An awakening of cultural perspectives that include analyses of ideology, overdetermination, the institutionalization of culture, identity, gender.
III. Technology and its Cultural implications
IV. Globalization and Economy Grass-root responses to globalization Capitalism in Crisis Phases of Capitalist Development
V. Social Movements & Political & Cultural Change in Latin America
VI. Hegemony and Counter-hegemony at the Turn of the Century
If you have a contribution to make, we would gladly receive it for consideration. The deadline date for the submission of a topic is July 15, 1999.
If you would like more information on this event and celebration, kindly e-mail marx21 at idirect.ca and an information package will be sent to you. FOR FURTHER INFO: Marxism Today: A Renewed Left View. 25 Givins Street Toronto, Ontario M6J 2X5 e-mail: marx21 at idirect.ca