August 17-22, 2007
University of British Columbia
This conference, on the theme “Literature For Our Times”, addressed the role and function of literature in the twenty-first century through keynote speeches, paper presentations, panel discussions and literary readings. The program commenced with a reading and commentary by Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott on the evening of August 17, 2007. There were keynote speeches on the mornings of August 18 -22nd, followed by concurrent sessions and panel discussions till the evening of August 22, 2007. Highlights of the conference included a keynote address by CCIE Advisory Board member, Professor Henry Giroux, and a reading by and a question/answer session with acclaimed Kenyan writer, Ngugi wa Thiong’o. Professor Thiong’o also gave a keynote address, in which he explored the importance of translation in fostering new kinds of literary communities among marginalized voices. His keynote was followed by a response paper, given by CCIE Director, Dr. Handel Kashope Wright. Both Professor Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s keynote and Professor Handel Wright’s response paper are forthcoming.
Co-sponsored by CCIE and the David Lam for Multicultural Education, among others.