About

STATE OF THE WORLD WEEK

This event, held in the winter term, brings together students, faculty, alumni and invited guests for the exploration of some important, perhaps urgent, theme in current affairs. Lectures and seminars are given not just by academics, but by politicians, artists, social reformers, diplomats, lawyers, journalists and other people who spend their (professional) lives in close practical contact with the fundamental issues studied theoretically at ECLA.

It is assumed that the voices of thoughtful experience will enrich theoretical discussions, and that theory may in turn inform practice. Recent State of the World Week topics include: Social Entrepreneurship (2007), Water (2008), The Politics of Cultural Ownership (2009) and The Translator (2010). Twice, in 2007 and 2008, the event won a UNESCO award for education in sustainable development.

SWWE 2011

This year’s State of the World Week, 7-11 February 2011, will focus on the topic of Food, and is entitled What Shall We Eat?.

Many of the lectures and seminars during this week will be dedicated to discussing the various societal ramifications of food production and consumption, and analysing the cultural and economic dynamics of food within a global context. The week will provide a platform for discussions with philosophers, writers and food critics, academics, practitioners and activists. Among the topics to be addressed will be food ethics, vegetarianism, food security, taste, food quality, and the aesthetics of food.