We would like to invite you to join us at a workshop Mattering Press is running at EASST, titled Recommended reading: opening up STS syllabi. The workshop will take place on Thursday 26th July, running from 14:00 - 15:30. Additional details can be found here: https://nomadit.co.uk/easst/easst2018/conferencesuite.php/panels/6252

The main focus of the workshop is the notion of the canon as a way of categorising and valorising knowledge. As STS itself is becoming increasingly institutionalised, it is implicated in the formalisation and stabilisation of different canons, for example through the creation of syllabi, handbooks and reading lists, or in the editorial work of book publishers and journals. This practical work, including the knowledge infrastructures it both relies on and contributes to and the implications for how STS does politics, is rarely critically reflected upon.

In this workshop, we approach the notion of an STS canon as a collective problem, while also exploring the possibility of creating shared resources that incorporate diverse ways of doing and understanding STS.

With this in mind we have designed the 90 minute workshop in three parts:

1. Provocations: What is a canon in practice?

In the first part, we will invite speakers that have dealt with the problem of canon in practice to provide short provocations and observations about their own practices and the challenges they have confronted.

2.  Discussion: STS knowledge infrastructures and canons

Following the presentations, we will discuss what kinds of shared knowledge infrastructures we might want to establish collectively, and how we might avoid the pitfalls associated with the institutionalisation of knowledge.

3. Proposal: A new platform for STS syllabi?

In the last part of the workshop, and taking into account the preceding debates, we will discuss the practical possibilities for developing a new, online knowledge infrastructure for the collective collation of STS syllabi, what it might look like, and the benefits and pitfalls involved.  

We hope to see you at the workshop. Registration is not mandatory, but it would be great if you could let us know if you want to participate. If you have any questions, please email michaela@matteringpress.org or julien@matteringpress.org
 

Best regards,

Mattering Press Editorial Board