Keywords

What exactly is marronage? How does the concept of marronage – generally defined as escape from sites of slavery – relate to the idea of fugitivity – often understood as a broader practice of quotidian refusal? How does centering gender require a different understanding of both terms? How do these concepts help us to understand centuries-old struggles for Black self-determination, and contemporary Black freedom dreams? This seminar will explore these questions and how the contemporary idea of fugitivity has helped to seed radical visions of alternative futures, framing Black study and Black feminist thought as fugitive intellectual formations. 

Moderated by Aisha Finch, Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

April 2, April 9, April 16, and April 23 from 1:00 to 2:30pm. Fox Center Seminar Room. Open to the Emory community.

Registration will open in Spring 2026.

Holding former officials accountable presents a dilemma for societies transitioning away from authoritarian or illiberal rule. In systems that depend on tolerating corruption and abuse of power, stepping down can be personally risky, not only because of lost privilege, but also because of the threat of prosecution if the rule of law is restored. Many transitional democracies have faced this trade-off. Should outgoing leaders and their functionaries be granted immunity in exchange for a peaceful transfer of power? Or does forgoing accountability today pave the way to new abuses tomorrow? This seminar explores the complex balance between justice and democratic stability. 

Moderated by Hubert Tworzecki, Department of Political Science.

January 22, January 29, February 5, February 12, from 2:00 to 4:30pm. Fox Center Seminar Room. Open to the Emory community.

Registration is now open. Sign up here.

Pregnancy is both a common experience and a liminal, contentious state that has received increased political, ethical, and theological attention in recent decades. This seminar will consider various philosophical and ethical issues related to pregnancy, primarily using reproductive justice as a framework. We will begin by discussing the history of the reproductive justice movement in the United States. During each subsequent week, we will consider one pillar of the movement (the right to have children; the right to not have children; and the right to raise children in a safe environment). The core text for this seminar will be Reproductive Justice: An Introduction.

Moderated by Danielle Tumminio Hansen, Candler School of Theology.

September 4, September 11, September 25, and October 2, 2025, from 12:30 to 1:30pm. Fox Center Seminar Room. Open to the Emory community.

Registration has closed and this seminar is full.

This seminar series examines a cornerstone of democracy—voting—and the ways that Americans’ understanding of that fundamental political act have changed over time. Specifically, this series focuses on key historical moments when ideas about voting—who should vote, how they should vote, and why they should vote—transformed civic life. From emancipation to modern-day struggles over voting rights, those debates have frequently revolved around race.  As Atlanta has figured prominently in these struggles, this series will examine the connection between local politics and broader debates over race and democracy in modern America. 

Moderated by Jason Ward, Department of History.

September 3, September 10, September 17, and September 24, 2025, from 7 to 8:30pm. Fox Center Seminar Room. Open to all.

Registration has closed and this seminar is full.